Everyone loves festivals. Delicious food, school holidays…what’s not to love? However, some of these celebrations can have disastrous effects on the environment. This blog will provide suggestions on celebrating festivals in an environmentally viable way.
Before addressing eco-friendliness, it is crucial to know what some of the ecological issues are. In India, three very popular festivals – Diwali, Holi and Ganesh Chathurthi – are celebrated with a great amount of joy. But, we need to become conscious of the damage these celebrations can cause.
Holi perhaps has the most obvious impact on the environment. The main attraction of Holi is throwing colours and water on friends, neighbours or even strangers. However, most Holi colours used these days may have poisonous substances like lead or mercury. These colours contaminate water bodies. Wildlife dependent on those water sources is also negatively impacted. Additionally, the tradition of Holi Ka Dahan (setting fire to a Holi) produces greenhouse gases that contribute to Global Warming. But, as this only happens once a year, its effect is negligible.
Noise pollution from firecrackers burst during Diwali can cause distress, hearing loss and sleep disruption. The more prominent effect of firecrackers is the waste created by them which leads to pollution. The smoke emitted by the fireworks also pollutes the air. Residual waste such as gunpowder and ash can also contaminate water bodies.
Ganesh Chaturthi is predominantly celebrated in Maharashtra but has some of the most disastrous effects on the ecosystem. Ganesh Chaturthi revolves around the tradition of bringing an idol of Ganesha which is worshipped for up to a period of 10 days. Most idols nowadays are made of Plaster of Paris (POP) or Shaadu clay. As per tradition, at the end of 10 days, the idols are submerged in water bodies. However, the materials used to make idols are non-biodegradable and pollute the water bodies. Even if the submersion is done at home in a bucket, oftentimes, the water is thrown on plants. Since the clay consists of very fine particles, it will not let water pass through it to reach the soil. Sooner or later, it will end up harming the plants.
DLRC strives to make festivals eco-friendly. During Ganesh Chaturthi, we encourage making idols out of compostable materials such as soil. The soil can be strengthened by bamboo fibres to make it easier to mould. A few years ago, DLRC took part in an initiative called Punavartan organised by Ecoexist where students made idols out of Shaadu clay and later converted it back to usable clay to be repurposed for the next year, effectively reusing the Shaadu instead of disposing it. A parent recalled that the system was quite efficient and that they were glad the students were helping to solve ecological issues.
An eco-friendly idol made of soil
Although DLRC doesn’t celebrate Diwali or Holi on campus, we advocate for making these festivals eco-friendly as well – buying firecrackers as a group or just buying less reduces the waste created after bursting them. Bursting crackers that don't create as much noise is also an eco-friendly option. During Holi, using colours made out of natural pigments, such as flowers or haldi, will reduce water contamination.
These small changes will not hamper the celebrations and yet, benefit the environment a great deal. Together we can ensure our festivals honour both tradition and nature.
Not all festival celebrations are ecologically damaging. India is also known for sustainable festivals, some of them being Wari and Dahi Handi. Wari is celebrated by Vitthal devotees in Maharashtra who travel from Alandi to Pandharpur on foot. Going on foot means that there will be no harmful gas emissions from vehicles. The tradition of Dahi Handi revolves around the folktales of Krishna and his friends making a human tower to reach a pot of curd (dahi) that was hung from the roof. Teams of people try to make large towers by climbing on each other’s back to break the pot of dahi. This tradition doesn’t cause any ecological damage either.
A fleet of devotees taking part in the Wari/Mahesh Lonkar
Let’s use these sustainable festivals as examples and try to find sustainable ways of celebrating other festivals throughout the year. Let’s spread happiness within society and the environment.
DISCLAIMER: This article isn't against any religion or beliefs. Its purpose is to encourage eco-friendly practices.
By Aasavari Khadilkar (G9)
Comments