Diwali is one of the biggest festivals both in India as well as globally. It is celebrated throughout the country and is a grand occasion every year. While the festival holds religious significance, and symbolises the victory of good over evil, it is a simple opportunity for children to have some fun. Every year, markets in Vizag are lined with shops selling diyas, Diwali sweets, decoration lightings and most of all, firecrackers. Diwali is also the time when families gather under one roof to celebrate the festival grandly.
Last year’s Diwali was less of a spectacle. The Covid-19 pandemic was still raging in Vizag and people had to find innovative ways to celebrate Diwali, being unable to celebrate it in public. While celebrations were dull in the city and nearby areas, the resultant dip in air and noise pollution levels was the only silver lining.
In 2021, as the Covid-19 situation continues to evolve and we prepare to celebrate Diwali in Vizag, let us keep these 5 things in mind:
#1 Avoid firecrackers
Every year, pollution levels spike in Vizag on Diwali. Firecrackers, while being a fun way to celebrate the festival, cause air as well as noise pollution. As it is, the air pollution levels in Vizag have been a point of concern in recent months. So, it is worth foregoing firecrackers during Diwali 2021, for the sake of the environment.
Additionally, firecrackers also harm the animals around us. Many animals have a heightened sense of hearing and are more sensitive to the loud noise caused by bursting firecrackers.
Despite all this, if you still choose to burst firecrackers, let’s clean up all the garbage after the celebration and help in keeping the city clean.
#2 Conserve electricity
While it is always a good idea to employ power-saving measures during a festival celebration, this year, the nation is facing a severe power crisis. While the situation is being handled efficiently in Vizag, it is recommended that people don’t put up extensive Diwali lighting in and on their houses.
An eco-friendly solution to this is to use earthen diyas which can be reused and don’t cause any harm to the environment.
#3 Avoid wastage of food
Diwali is one such festival where people receive a lot of gifts like sweets, chocolate boxes and fruit baskets. Also, a lot of food is prepared for the festival as well. If you don’t consume these all, do consider distributing the leftovers to the underprivileged people. Let’s not waste food this Diwali. Let us honour the sanctimony of the festival.
#4 Use organic rangoli
On the day of Diwali, all houses have beautiful forms of rangoli at their entrances. It’s an activity that people can engage in with their children. However, it is recommended that people use organic, eco-friendly colours for making rangolis that don’t harm the environment or yourselves. Additionally, people can use eco-friendly decorations like diyas and flowers at their homes. In fact, you can encourage your children to get creative and make beautiful drawings on the diyas.
#5 Covid-19 preventiveness
While the Covid-19 situation is improving in the city, it is still necessary to be cautious. Hence, it is vital for everyone to wear masks and follow physical distancing measures during Diwali celebrations. It is also recommended that people eat homemade food this time around and keep themselves away from this deadly virus. As of Tuesday, there were 151 active cases of Covid-19 in the Visakhapatnam District.
Let us celebrate Diwali 2021 responsibly in Vizag and pray for all evil to leave our lives.
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