Are Firecrackers still needed to add a spark to Diwali ?

Diwali is called as the festival of lights. But are we just focusing on lights or are we adding more problems to the environment, to the people and to the animals?

In earlier days people added spark to the festival in many ways but due to corona that feeling of celebration with get together, with celebration together outside our houses, going to each other’s houses with sweets and chocolates have all gone for toss.

So are we alone this Diwali or are we again blowing crackers to fulfill our personal joy, the heights of excitement while bursting crackers had no comparison.  I know there has to be some way out. Do we know that crackers add lot of harmful content in the air which can severely affect Corona patient at our relatives’ houses? They are people like us who actually are requesting not to blow crackers which filled the air with sulfur dioxide & carbon monoxide.

Here are some thoughts on how to celebrate Diwali this year :

1. Make some sweets – Instead of spending thousands and thousands of rupees on sweets and chocolates and circulating them to friends and relatives, this year for a change make sweets at home and involve children and family members in making these treats. There are many delectable sweets which are easy to make without using tons of sugar and added artificial flavors. For example – date ladoos, dates and nut kheer, kalakand, badaam barfi, nariyal ladoos, chocolate ladoos and many more. Above all when the entire family comes together to make delicious sweets, there is so much bonding that the festive spirits just gets enhanced.

2. Make some Decoration – Children love taking responsibilities of decorating with paper art, rangoli, flower rangoli, diyas and fairy lights. When they put in so much effort and they see the house all beautiful and lit up, the experience itself is so fulfilling.

3. Give some party– get the family busy in organizing a Diwali party. Engage the guests with dance, music, food, games and antakshari. Make all the noise amongst yourself. Trust me, the adrenaline rush in enjoying with family and friends is way beyond what you get from crackers. Kids will have company and they will get super busy with the guests and this will add to all his good memories.

4. Give away thoughtful gifts – In this digital age, we miss the touch and feel of good thoughtful gifts. Instead of giving gifts which do not add value to the receiver, let’s attempt to give personalized gifts to each other that will always be special. For example, gifting a pen drive with songs, shayari, for your family /friends will be so touching. Children can record a dance, act, joke, enact a comedy scene and dedicate it to their loved ones.

Handmade cards are beautiful to give as gifts especially when kids make it. If nothing works out just gift a potted plant and bring in the greenery to the planet.

5. Visit underprivileged –This year apart from spending time with your near and dear ones, do something special for the poor. We can begin this with our house helps. Invite them to your celebration, make them a part of the festivities. The smile that you will share with them will be so special. Kids will also see and learn the compassion that you are showing and will practice that virtue in future.
6. Paper crackers – If the kids still insist on bursting crackers, create some fun crackers at home. Fill your room with balloons and burst them with incense sticks. Get paper envelopes and burst them with hands. These fun ways of making noises are way louder than the crackers. Kids will enjoy them thoroughly. Let’s celebrate real Diwali by spreading happiness, not pollution.

Team Whistle Solutions wish everyone a very happy and joyous Diwali!