Diwali also known as ‘The Festival of Lights’, is one of the preferred and enjoyed festivals in India. It is when streets, houses, and neighbourhoods are brightly lit with fairy lights, diyas, and everyone smiles and rejoices in the spirit of togetherness and unity.
However, Diwali as a festival is far, far more than that, for it is actually an expression of our values, a celebration of connections and, importantly, a reminder of our responsibilities towards one another and the world around us. With this climate literally and metaphorically, the celebration of a green and safe Diwali is not an option but an obligation to give back to future generations.
Inspired by the spirit of Diwali, Manav Rachna International School‘s youth body has conceived an inspiring initiative. We the students from the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme have taken up the challenge of making handmade Diwali decorations out of recycled material we could find lying around us.
It’s a pretty easy project to begin with, but it means much more and really matters to us since it roots back from the CAS and service as action program at our school, aimed at helping in, giving back to the global community.
Together we as students of the best IB school in Gurugram, brought creativity to a new level by taking old, used materials, which for one person may have ended up in the trash can, and turned them into treasures for others. Each piece has a story because every item was made not only to beautify an area but also to contribute funds to the Tender Hearts Foundation, a nonprofit for the betterment of less fortunate children and families’ lives. This CAS project is the essence of Diwali: sharing, caring, and uplifting others. These students remind us all that sustainability isn’t about deprivation; it’s about transformation as they turn waste into joy.
This project, however, is more than an exercise in environmentalism. It’s about recognizing that we can create a meaningful change. Together we as the youth belonging to the top school in Gurugram have proven that not only can they muster the strength of teamwork and originality but also the inspiration for a future when celebrations need not be at the expense of our planet. As we worked individually on each of these beautifully made pieces, we’re not only making a piece of decoration; we are supporting the cause that tells us we can celebrate responsibly, gently, and with heart.
Undeniably, tradition is an essential ingredient of Diwali. But every diya, each marigold string, and every box of sweets we give to our loved ones reminds us that our relationships are warm, and our culture is great. While we are making merry with these traditions, there is a new one we have to adapt into our lifestyle-one that feels sensitive towards the environment. Climate change is no more a reality in the distant future; it’s about time that we do something urgent.
Consider the waste generated by Diwali. From plastic wrappers to synthetic decorations and remnants of firecrackers, every year, the remains of our celebration leave behind a significant carbon footprint. This is not about bringing down the glee of Diwali; it is about widening it. What if we could celebrate a Diwali in which our joy and excitement uplift not just our spirits but also our environment?
It can begin with something as simple as clay diya replacing electric lights or moving over to natural, biodegradable decorations instead of the plastic-based ones. The minute choices we take into account while making decisions don’t just celebrate us; they send a message across that we care about the world hosting us and its inhabitants. This Diwali, let’s light up the darkness with conscious pollution-free candles and act as responsible citizens of the world.
Still, Diwali is not merely lighting up our homes, but also the hearts within us.
It has been seen that being an environment friendly Diwali does not at all mean being an economy Diwali. Instead, it refers to a more vibrant and meaningful celebration. Here are some accessible yet impactful ways to bring sustainability into our Diwali festivities:
1. Handcrafted and Recycled Decorations: Similar to us students of Manav Rachna International School – IB, handcrafted decorations made out of recycled material can look very great in the meanwhile ensuring it doesn’t harm the environment as well. Whether a paper-garland formed by shredding pieces of shredded newspapers or scented candles developed out of used glass jars, each one brings a bit of that personal touch in an eco-friendly way into your home.
2. Biodegradable Rangoli Colors: Rangoli forms a significant part of the Diwali decor. An environment-friendly color for rangoli made with natural elements can preserve this richness and keep the environment intact.
3. Use Clay Diyas Instead of Electric Lights: Clay diyas have a traditional, authentic glow to them and are also much more eco-friendly than electric lights. Plus, you can be directly helping the local artisans by purchasing them directly from the artisans themselves.
4. No Firecrackers This Year: While firecrackers have been a part of earlier celebrations, they now present a huge environmental and health hazard. Let’s take the decision to keep the air clean and noise low this Diwali. We can be equally joyous with music and dance.
Buy from eco-friendly businesses as every purchase from companies that emphasize sustainability contributes to a greener economy. Look for vendors that use biodegradable packaging, local and organic materials, and even fair-trade practices.
5. Gift Plants, Handmade Items, or Sustainable Products: Instead of the usual sweets and trinkets, why not gift something that can grow and sustain? Plants, handmade goodies, and eco-friendly products can all make for thoughtful gifts that keep giving beyond Diwali.
While these sustainable practices are important, they hold true power only when they’re shared. Every human being has his or her part in creating awareness. Why don’t we try to discuss the idea of having a green Diwali this coming year, in social media platforms, groups on WhatsApp, or even our families? We should teach friends, family, and neighbors about choices that are sustainable. When we discuss the impact of pollution on air quality and the importance of waste reduction, it becomes a ripple effect of change.
Together can be the best role models, leading the future generations to believe that beauty lies in the glow of diyas and not the noise of firecrackers, to feel happy that they get to spend the time with loved ones and feel a sense of contentment for knowing that one is doing good.
When we talk of the ethos of Diwali, we talk of values: generosity, kindness, and responsibility. And with choosing a sustainable Diwali, we’re not deviating from those values; we’re bringing those into the modern world. We’re saying that though our traditions are steeped in history, they’re adaptive, evolving, and that there’s a place in the new ways of preservation of our world.
The students of Manav Rachna have shown us that sustainability and celebration can go hand in hand. Their decorations, born from waste and given life through creativity, are a symbol of hope, change, and joy. This Diwali, let’s celebrate like them. Let’s make joy sustainable, let’s make celebration inclusive, and let’s make Diwali not just a festival of lights but a festival of change.
It’s in the end that every diya we light illuminates not only our homes but also lights up a brighter, greener future. Happy Diwali!
Author: Visheshika Grover, MYP 4, MYP Representative, Student Council, 2024-2025