Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most joyous and widely celebrated festivals in India. It marks the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. The celebrations, which include lighting lamps (diyas), offering prayers, exchanging gifts, and indulging in sweets, bring families and communities together. However, it’s important to be mindful of certain practices during Diwali to ensure that the festival is celebrated safely, responsibly, and in a way that is respectful to both people and the environment. Here’s a guide on the Do’s and Don’ts for Diwali.
Do’s on Diwali
1. Clean and Decorate Your Home
- Do clean your house thoroughly before Diwali. This is a traditional practice that symbolizes the removal of negative energies and the welcoming of good fortune.
- Do decorate your home with diyas, fairy lights, and rangoli. Lighting up your home signifies the victory of light over darkness and helps attract the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
2. Celebrate with Eco-Friendly Practices
- Do choose eco-friendly decorations like clay diyas, natural colors for rangoli, and reusable or biodegradable items. This helps reduce waste and pollution.
- Do opt for LED lights and solar-powered lighting to save energy while celebrating the festival of lights.
3. Offer Prayers
- Do offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on Diwali night. Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity, while Ganesha is the remover of obstacles. Many families perform Lakshmi Puja at home to seek divine blessings.
- Do follow the tradition of lighting diyas in every corner of your home to invite positivity and good fortune.
4. Spend Time with Family and Friends
- Do make time for family and friends. Diwali is a time for togetherness, so plan special gatherings, exchange gifts, and share sweets.
- Do encourage spending quality time by playing traditional games like cards, eating festive foods, and reminiscing about past celebrations.
5. Share and Donate
- Do think of those less fortunate. Donate clothes, food, or money to charity or help those in need. Diwali is a time of sharing joy and kindness.
- Do consider buying gifts from local artisans or supporting small businesses, especially for diyas, handicrafts, and homemade sweets.
6. Practice Safety
- Do ensure fire safety if you are lighting diyas or candles. Place them in secure spots to avoid accidents.
- Do follow precautions if you are celebrating with fireworks. Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby and ensure that children are supervised at all times.
Don’ts on Diwali
1. Avoid Excessive Use of Firecrackers
- Don’t burst large quantities of firecrackers. Firecrackers contribute to air pollution, noise pollution, and can be harmful to both humans and animals. Many cities have regulations limiting their use, and it’s important to follow these rules.
- Don’t purchase firecrackers that are not certified as eco-friendly or low-emission. Traditional firecrackers release harmful chemicals into the air, aggravating respiratory issues and causing environmental damage.
2. Don’t Harm Animals
- Don’t frighten or harm animals with fireworks. Many pets and stray animals get scared during Diwali due to the loud noises. Try to create a safe, quiet space for animals in your home or neighborhood.
- Don’t litter the streets with remnants of firecrackers, as they can harm animals and pollute the environment. Clean up responsibly after any celebrations.
3. Don’t Waste Food
- Don’t waste food during the festival. Prepare portions of sweets and meals that can be shared with your family, friends, and neighbors without going overboard.
- Don’t serve food in single-use plastic containers or cutlery. Instead, use reusable or biodegradable options to reduce waste.
4. Don’t Over-Indulge
- Don’t overindulge in sweets and fatty foods, as tempting as they may be! While Diwali is a time for feasting, it’s important to maintain a balance to avoid health issues like overeating or triggering lifestyle diseases such as diabetes.
- Don’t drink excessively during celebrations. It’s important to enjoy the festivities responsibly.
5. Avoid Excessive Lighting
- Don’t leave electrical lights or diyas on unattended. This poses a fire hazard and can lead to wastage of energy. Turn off lights when they are not needed, especially overnight.
- Don’t overdo outdoor lighting, which can disturb wildlife and waste electricity.
6. Don’t Use Harmful Decorations
- Don’t use plastic decorations, which contribute to environmental pollution. Choose sustainable, natural materials like flowers, leaves, or paper for decorating your home.
- Don’t buy or use decorations with toxic chemicals, such as those found in some paints or artificial color powders for rangoli. These can be harmful to both humans and animals.