Before you jump to the conclusion that this is yet another preachy article targeting Hindu festivals in isolation—with calls for a ‘Waterless Holi,’ ‘Smokeless Diwali,’ ‘Patriarchy-free Durga Puja,’ ‘This Rakshabandhan, save a cow,’ or claims that ‘Jallikattu is animal cruelty’—let me assure you, I am not going there. In a world where mental depression is becoming a pandemic, the world needs the Hindu way of celebration. However, without third parties, who have no belief in or love for our festivities, telling us what to do, we can be mindful and set an example for the right way to celebrate.
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Indian festivals are a riot of colour, light, and joy. From the radiant glow of Diwali to the playful chaos of Holi, these celebrations are the heartbeat of our culture, connecting us to our traditions, families, and the divine. Yet, in recent times, the way we celebrate has come at a great cost to the environment. The air after Diwali is thick with smoke, and our rivers run with the chemical colours of Holi.
This modern way of celebrating stands in stark contrast to the very principles our festivals are meant to honour. Hindu philosophy is deeply ecological, teaching us to see nature as sacred and to live in harmony with it. Our festivals were originally designed to be in sync with nature’s cycles. It is our Dharma (righteous duty) to return to these roots and celebrate in a way that honours both our traditions and our planet. Here’s how we can celebrate Diwali and Holi with Dharmic responsibility.
Diwali: The Festival of Lights and Crackers
Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. There are mentions of firecrackers in Dwaraka in the Mahabharata. If someone asks you to cut down on crackers, citing animal safety and noise pollution, ask them to mind their business. Enjoying crackers one day a year is not worse than slaughterhouses running all year or the constant noise pollution to which we have become accustomed. However, we can be judicious in our use of firecrackers. Government-mandated “green crackers” are a great way to counter pollution, as they don’t release as many toxic pollutants like sulfur dioxide, heavy metals, and particulate matter into the air.
The Dharmic Solution: A Return to the Diya
- Embrace the Traditional Diya: The heart of Diwali is the simple, beautiful clay diya. Lighting earthen lamps with oil or ghee is the most authentic and eco-friendly way to celebrate. It fills your home with a warm, natural glow and supports local potters.
- Use Natural Decorations: Instead of plastic streamers and synthetic decorations, adorn your home with fresh flowers like marigolds, mango leaves, and intricate rangolis made from rice flour and natural colours. These are beautiful, biodegradable, and deeply traditional.
- Mindful Gifting: Shift from materialistic gifts to more meaningful and sustainable options. Consider gifting handmade items, potted plants, or experiences. If you are giving sweets, use reusable containers instead of plastic boxes.
- Community Fireworks Display: Organize a community gathering with music, dance, and shared food. A single, coordinated fireworks display allows everyone to enjoy the spectacle while better managing pollution. The joy of connection is far more lasting than the momentary bang of a firecracker.
Holi: The Festival of Colours, Not Chemicals
Holi welcomes the arrival of spring with a celebration of life, fertility, and new beginnings. It was traditionally played with colours made from flowers and herbs that were beneficial for the skin.
The Problem: Today, most commercial Holi colours are made from industrial dyes and toxic chemicals like lead oxide, mercury sulphite, and copper sulphate. These can cause severe skin allergies, eye irritation, and even long-term health issues.
The Dharmic Solution: Play with Nature’s Palette
- Make Your Own Natural Colors: Revive the tradition of making your own colors at home. It’s a fun activity for the whole family.
- Yellow: Use turmeric powder (haldi).
- Red: Use beetroot juice or dried hibiscus flowers.
- Green: Use henna (mehendi) or spinach paste.
- Orange: Use dried marigold flowers.
- Water Consumption: yes, we need to conserve water, but not at the cost of Holi. The water used for a cricket game during IPL is far higher than the extra water a city uses on Holi. Be mindful, but don’t cut down on celebrating Holi.
माता भूमिः पुत्रोऽहं पृथिव्याः।
mātā bhūmiḥ putro’haṃ pṛthivyāḥ।
Earth is my mother and I am her child. — Atharva Veda 12.1.12
This Vedic verse is a powerful reminder of our relationship with the planet. As children of the Earth, it is our sacred duty to protect her. Our festivals should be an expression of this love and respect, not a cause of her suffering.
Conclusion: Celebrating with Consciousness
Returning to eco-friendly celebrations is not about diminishing the joy of our festivals; it is about enhancing it. It is about reconnecting with the true spirit of our traditions, which have always been rooted in a deep reverence for nature.
We are celebrating in a way that honors the victory of light, the vibrancy of life, and the sacredness of the Earth that sustains us all. Let this festive season be a new beginning for a more conscious and responsible way of celebrating.
Internal Backlink Suggestions:
- Dharma in the Driver’s Seat: A Moral Compass for Ethical Leadership and Tough Decisions: Link the term Dharma.
- Vedic Ecology: 7 Timeless Principles for Sustainable Living in the 21st Century: Link to this article to provide a broader context for environmental responsibility.
- The Ganga Paradox: Why India’s Holiest River is a Lesson in Environmental Dharma: Link to this article when discussing water pollution during Holi.
Our traditions are rich with wisdom that teaches us to live in harmony with nature. How do you plan to make your festival celebrations more eco-friendly this year? Share your creative ideas in the comments below, pass this article on to your loved ones, and follow us on social media for more tips on conscious celebrations.