Happy Vijayadashmi - Celebrate It In An Eco-Friendly & Healthy Way!

Dussehra is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. It is also known as Vijayadashmi and Durgotsav. It is celebrated to rejoice the victory of Lord Rama over the devil Ravana which proves the victory of good over evil. 

Every year on Dussehra eve, people burn the sculpture of Ravana which leads to air pollution and damages the environment as well. These sculptures are made with clay, plaster, paper, cement and plastics which produce harmful gases while burning. When these gases are inhaled by people, they cause damage to their health. Such events bring many risks to health like breathing problems and skin infections, along with happiness and celebration.

Dussehra signifies the victory of good over evil, but unknowingly, to celebrate this festival, we destroy our own environment and health. 

So, what’s the solution? Or, how to celebrate this Dussehra without sacrificing the environment?

The celebration will become happier if we take care of our health and our environment. So, here are some ways you can celebrate Dussehra or Vijayadashami without harming nature. 

Use Eco-friendly Idols

The traditional statues are made with clay and plaster that do not dissolve easily and produce harmful gases when burnt. Using eco-friendly models, like idols made with mud or cow dung is the first step towards the eco-friendly celebration. These materials dissolve easily in water and produce less harmful gas. The cow dung is also good for underwater plants. It also has a spiritual effect as “Cow” is considered as a mother in India. 

Use Eco-friendly Decorating Products

This is another important step you can take to celebrate eco-friendly Dussehra. We all know that Pandals are decorated with plastic and thermacol products that are non-degradable and cause damage to health and surroundings. So, instead of using these types of decorations, you can use natural flower or banana leaves to decorate the Pandals. This will even look prettier. The flowers and leaves will easily dissolve with water and become food for underwater animals. You can also collect the flowers and other natural products used in the decoration and use them as compost.

Use Disposable Utensils and Recyclable Items

We know that plates and other utensils generally used to distribute Prasad are non-degradable in nature. And, the plastics plates and products are not good for the environment. So, use disposable products like plates made up of leaves for distributing Prasad and other food items. 

Limit the Use of Chemical Paints

To decorate the idols, multiple types of chemical paints are used that pollute the environment. This is why using herbal or natural colours is a better option as these colours completely dissolve in the water.

Use Energy Saving Lights

People lit different colourful lights in the Dussehra celebration and decorate the pandals with high power consuming lights. However, instead of using halogen lights, you can use CFL and other energy-saving lighting products.

Final Words

As the Dussehra is around the corner, celebrate this Dussehra with joy and happiness but in an eco-friendly way. Hope these tips will help you make this Dussehra celebration eco-friendly which is beneficial for not only the environment but for you as well. 

May this Dussehra be prosperous and joyful for you!

Happy Dussehra and Durgotsav!