Durga Puja is one of the most lively and important festivals in India. It signifies the win of good over evil, which reminisces about the goddess Durga slaying the demon Mahishasura. It is a time of joy, devotion, and community gatherings, traditional celebrations, cultural performances, and pandal-hopping, but it often comes with a considerate environmental impact. So why don't we do our bit and plan eco-friendly Durga puja and vanquish pollution?
Since most of the materials used in idols, pandals, decorations, etc., are non-degradable, they generate excessive waste, which takes an evil toll on our already suffering planet.
In this article, we provide easy tips and tricks to inspire and empower you to make Durga Puja an eco-friendly affair. Explore practical and innovative ideas and eco-friendly alternatives that can help minimise our environmental footprint while preserving the essence of this revered festival.
Let's celebrate Durga Puja 2024 with great respect for our goddess and responsibility for our planet by following the eco-friendly tips and tricks listed below:
1. Below are Some Eco-friendly Alternatives for the Durga Puja Pandals:
1.1 Place Eco-friendly Goddess Durga Idols
The idea of crafting goddess Durga idols with POP (Plaster of Paris) or baked clay and chemical paints is still in vogue. However, this is way too harmful for life and the environment, as they are toxic and non-degradable. Instead, for large idols placed in the pandals, the management committees can instruct the craftsmen to use natural materials like clay or mud. These idols not only look stunning but are also environmentally responsible, as they do not harm water bodies when immersed.
1.2 Use Eco-friendly Decorations
The general practice is to use plastic decorations like flowers and thermocol and other non-biodegradable items like plastic torans, plastic flowers, plastic vases, etc.
Instead, the Durga puja pandal committees can keep the decorations minimal and beautify the pandals by using fresh flowers, small plants in eco-friendly planters, and decorations made of eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, cloth, and jute, to name a few. This can not only amplify the beauty of the pandals but also connect tradition with nature and provide fresh air.
1.3 Proper Waste Management
Provide enough bins and containers to avoid littering. Also, they must ensure that the bins are cleared before they overflow. It is better to connect with a waste recycling company, which will collect the accumulated waste from your pandal and upcycle or recycle it.
1.4 Curb Noise Pollution
Avoid using blaring speakers above the designated level to curb noise pollution and nuisance to people staying around.
1.5 Use Sustainable Lighting
Replacing traditional lighting with more powerful and energy-efficient LED bulbs increases the pandal's green quotient. You can also explore the wide variety of terracotta diyas or solar-powered lighting systems to reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions.
1.6 Plan Food Preparation and Distribution Accordingly
Choose, prepare, and distribute food or prasad wisely while keeping portion sizes in check. Ensure that the food is cooked in hygienic conditions.
1.7 Pandal Hoppers
Devotees visiting the various goddess Durga pandals are best advised to carry their own water bottles in plenty to avoid buying packaged drinking water.
1.8 Sustainable Idol Immersion
During goddess Durga visarjan (immersion), choose the decided community immersion sites and avoid large water bodies like lakes, etc. Be very careful to remove any non-biodegradable decoration placed on the idol while immersing.
Pandals who follow these simple tricks can be proud of their eco-friendly presentation, which uses sustainable resources, simple and green layouts, and avoids non-degradable materials.
2. Below listed are some eco-friendly alternatives for Durga Puja at Home (Bonedi Barir Durga Puja):
2.1 Use Natural and Biodegradable Decorations
While decorating the area around the goddess Durga's idol at home, try using seasonal or fresh flowers instead of fake plastic ones. You can also use eco-friendly indoor planters, earthen/terracotta diyas, candles, LED lights, torans, etc., to beautify the puja area.
2.2 Buy Eco-friendly Clothing & Accessories
The festival calls for a lot of shopping. One best alternative is to make a switch to eco-friendly traditional clothing and accessories that not only look trendy but also benefit your skin and the planet.
2.3 Make Less Noise
Instead of using loudspeakers, you can opt for eco-friendly bamboo amplifiers that don't need electricity at all. The festival is all about harmony, and by using eco-friendly sound amplifiers, you will feel pleasant and will not be a nuisance to your neighbours.
2.4 Avoid Wastage of Food
During festival times, it calls for a variety of delicacies. Even if there is some food left over or is made in excess, then you can always donate it to the needy and earn goodwill rather than throwing it in the dumpsters.
2.5 Use Sustainable Means of Transportation
Try carpooling and walking short distances when you are out for pandal hopping, which in turn helps reduce air pollution.
Conclusion
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness about the need to celebrate festivals in an eco-friendly manner. And now, after reading this article, you might be wondering where to buy eco-friendly products from! Fret not, as Upcycleluxe has you covered. From eco-friendly diyas to eco-friendly torans, eco-friendly clothing and accessories, organic perfumes, and organic candles, you name a particular eco-friendly festive product or gift hamper; Upcycleluxe (www.upcycleluxe.com) has it all.
Let's pledge to honor the goddess Durga not only with pomp and gaiety but also with a commitment to preserve the beauty of our world for generations to come. Upcycleluxe wishes you a happy and eco-conscious Durga Puja celebration!
