Celebrate a Safe, Clean & Green Diwali in Odisha

As the festival of lights draws near, a quiet chorus of environmental activists, schoolchildren and community groups across Odisha is urging everyone to rethink how we celebrate. The goal? A Diwali that sparkles for the soul without smog‑filled skies or risky fireworks.

Do keep the spirit alive with traditions that are gentle on the planet. Light traditional earthen diyas and simple candles instead of relying on endless electric strips or noisy crackers. Dress up your home with colourful rangoli, fresh flowers and decorations made from recycled or biodegradable material – they look beautiful and they break down naturally.

Why not bring out some balloons? Activist Sushanta Sahoo suggests filling the sky with bright, helium‑filled balloons as a fun, safe alternative to firecrackers. It’s playful, it’s visual, and it certainly won’t add toxic smoke.

Keep a bucket of water or a tray of sand handy wherever you set up the diyas or candles – a small step that can prevent a tiny flame from becoming a bigger problem. And remember, Diwali is as much about sharing sweets and stories with family as it is about lighting lamps. Take a moment to enjoy the spiritual side of the celebration.

After the festivities, do the responsible thing: gather any waste, especially plastic, and dispose of it properly. A clean neighbourhood makes the holiday feel brighter for everyone, especially the children, the elderly and anyone with breathing or heart conditions.

Don’t let fireworks ruin the night. Whether they’re tiny sparklers or massive firecrackers, they all release harmful pollutants and create noise that can distress patients, senior citizens and animals. Bomb‑type crackers that sound like artillery are especially disruptive for families living in kutcha houses.

Never leave burning diyas or candles unattended – a moment’s distraction can turn a sweet memory into a dangerous blaze. Avoid cramming too many people into poorly ventilated rooms; fresh air is essential, especially when candles are flickering.

And please, don’t litter. Throwing away plastic ribbons, foam decorations or used firecracker shells not only mars the streets but also takes years to decompose.

Environmentalists are hopeful that Odisha can set an example this year: a brighter, cleaner, and safer Diwali that honours tradition without compromising health or the environment. As Sushanta Sahoo puts it, “Stay safe, keep others safe, save the environment.” Let’s all do our part.