Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in India. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Every year, millions of homes across the country light up with diyas, candles, and decorative lights, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere of joy and togetherness. However, while the celebrations bring immense happiness, it’s also important to understand the impact of Diwali on environment from increased air and noise pollution due to firecrackers to excessive energy consumption. By celebrating responsibly, we can preserve the true essence of Diwali while protecting our planet for future generations.
People greet the occasion with each other with sweets and burn firecrackers while celebrating the festival. Diwali, while having immense importance and sentimental value, has turned into an environmental concern in the recent past. Heavy use of firecrackers, electricity, and non-degradable material translates into high air, noise, and land pollution.
Pollution can harm the health of people and the environment. To have more green and environmentally friendly festivals, we must learn about the environmental damage caused due to Diwali.
Impact of Diwali on environment
1. Air Pollution
One of the most noticeable and damaging outcomes of air pollution from Diwali is the air pollution. Firecrackers emit tiny particles (PM?.? and PM??), sulfur dioxide (SO?), nitrogen oxides (NO?), carbon monoxide (CO), and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and barium.
Corresponding spikes are observed in other metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, and Lucknow. These air pollutants remain suspended in the air, diminish visual clarity, and lead to respiratory issues, asthmatic attacks, and heart conditions.
2. Noise Pollution
Firecrackers are very loud, more than 120 decibels, and that's very noisier than the safe limit of 55 dB in residential areas. Listening to this noise repeatedly may cause hearing damage, stress, high blood pressure, and sleeping disorders.
Animals and birds are also affected; dogs get stressed, and birds in the city get disoriented due to the loud explosions and flashing lights.
3. Light Pollution and the Consumption of Power
Most houses are lit with powerful halogen and LED lights in the evenings, and therefore, there's increased usage of electricity, largely generated by coal plants.
Rangoli powders made from chemicals, plastic garlands make the waste problem worse. In many cities, garbage collection systems get blocked the day after Diwali, and it can take several days to clean up the mess.
4. Ecological Disturb
The combined effects of air, noise, and waste pollution harm local ecosystems. Birds leave their nesting areas; stray animals wander around confused; green spaces are covered in soot and dust.
The yearly disruptions reduce urban biodiversity, which is already stressed from rapid urban growth.
How Pollution Goes Up after Diwali?
The air quality data shows that conditions significantly deteriorate at and after Diwali. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) points out that the amount of tiny particles in the air in big cities increases three to ten times above the normal level. In 2024, in smaller towns, the amounts of the particles rose by 400-500% but the threat largely went away in the first 48 hours.
More annual spikes result in long-term breathing and heart issues and convince people that the environmental harm lingers far longer than the festival days.
Is Diwali Eco-Friendly?
Earlier, Diwali used to be a low-key festival with vaats (oil lamps), homemade sweets, and get-togethers with the family—it was green. Now, however, the festival has become a grand, environmentally destructive celebration that indulges in excessive energy and environmental degradation.
Nevertheless, we can likely celebrate Diwali once more. Selecting lights that run on renewable energy and reducing the use of single-use plastics can also have a large impact.
How to Save the Environment During Diwali?
- Small choices from the people, both individually and in large numbers, can actually reduce the environmental impact of the festival:
- Switch from normal light bulbs to solar-powered lights or LED lights.
- Rather than chemical rangoli dyes, employ a natural material like flower petals or rice flour.
- Do not use plastic decorations and instead choose cloth, paper, or bamboo.
- Celebrate with diyas made from earth and help the rural artisans while producing minimal waste.
- Instead of person-sized explosions through the terrain, use community fireworks displays.
How to Manage Pollution Following Diwali?
Cleaning up after the festival is very important. Sweeping streets, sorting waste, and spraying water can help get rid of dirt and dust. Authorities should strictly ban illegal firecrackers and run awareness campaigns to minimize the impact of Diwali on environment. Simple actions like community tree planting and morning cleanups by local residents can restore public spaces and remind everyone to take care of the environment.
FAQs
1. What are the environmental impacts of Diwali?
Ans.Diwali often causes air, noise, and waste pollution due to firecrackers, plastic decorations, and excessive energy use.
2. How do festivals impact the environment?
AnsFestivals can strain resources, increase waste, and raise pollution levels through mass consumption and non-biodegradable materials.
3. How much pollution increased after Diwali?
AnsAir pollution levels generally spike by 30–50% in many cities after Diwali, with higher particulate matter and reduced air quality.
4. Is Diwali eco-friendly?
AnsTraditional celebrations are not, but it can be made eco-friendly with green decorations, minimal firecrackers, and energy-saving lights.
5. How to save environment during Diwali?
AnsChoose clay diyas, organic colors, avoid plastic, use LED lights, and skip fireworks to reduce pollution and energy waste.
6. How to make an eco-friendly Diwali essay?
AnsWrite about celebrating sustainably—using natural décor, reducing noise, planting trees, and promoting clean air and green living.
7. How to decorate an eco-friendly Diwali?
AnsUse reusable items, handmade diyas, organic rangoli colors, and natural fabrics for décor instead of synthetic materials.
8. Why are plants important for an eco-friendly Diwali?
AnsPlants purify air, offset emissions, and add greenery to urban spaces, making Diwali celebrations cleaner and healthier.
9. How to control pollution after Diwali?
AnsClean surroundings, properly dispose of waste, plant trees, avoid burning materials, and support local clean-up drives.
10. How do we celebrate pollution-free Diwali?
AnsEnjoy light, food, and family moments without bursting crackers focus on eco-friendly gifting and green decorations.
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