10 Easy Tips for a Waste-Free Dussehra Celebration
Dussehra, or Vijayadashami as it is famously known is one of the grandest Indian festivals celebrated all across the country. ‘Good overpowering evil’, it carries with it the age-old story of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Families come together, cultural activities line up in the streets, and festive food holds everyone together.
However, there is usually one point that goes unnoticed during the festivities and celebrations, i.e., Waste. Plastic disposable plates, single-use decorations, and other forms of garbage and trash surround the Dussehra festival. Waste usually goes unnoticed by most of the public; it goes away for a week, only to return with another festival's waste.
If you have ever found yourself wondering, "Dussehra kab hai this year?" and you care about making your celebration mindful, this is the year to plan a waste-free Dussehra celebration. With a few thoughtful decisions, you can enjoy a big celebration without waste.
We have ten simple actions to take to celebrate an eco-friendly Dussehra and still enjoy the festival without compromising enjoyment or traditions.
Opt for Natural Decorations
Rather than purchasing plastic streamers, glittery thermocol cut-outs, or artificial flowers, try decorating your house or pandal with fresh flowers, banana leaves, marigold garlands, or decorations made from upcycled fabric. Natural decorations can look livelier and decompose easily, without causing any further harmful waste.
Choose Reusable Décor Items
Instead of one-time-use plastic décor, invest in cloth buntings, brass diyas, or wooden torans that can be used year after year. These items have a typical feel and will save costs over the years. You will also be saving landfill space!
Use Eco-Friendly Idols
If you set up small idols during Dussehra or Durga Puja, choose ones made from clay, natural fibers, or biodegradable materials. Avoid idols painted with chemical-based colors, as they pollute water bodies when immersed. Eco-friendly idols not only honor tradition but also protect the earth.
Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
Festive lighting adds sparkle to every home, but it also increases electricity consumption. This year, opt for LED bulbs or solar-powered lights. They consume less energy, reduce bills, and create the same festive glow, making your eco-friendly Dussehra even brighter.
Switch to Eco-friendly Disposable Plates
Another major waste generated during Dussehra event is the plastic plates and cups. This year, replace them with eco-friendly disposable plates specifically manufactured for Dussehra using sugarcane bagasse, areca palm leaves or bamboo. They are strong, attractive and backyard compostable — great for serving conscious holiday feasts without guilt.
Avoid Plastic Packaging
We tend to use numerous plastic bags while shopping for holidays. If you go shopping for food, presents, or clothes for Dussehra, think of using your own cloth or jute bags. It's a tiny tweak, but if many individuals make it, we can noticeably lower the amount of plastic waste in our houses and stores.
Celebrate with Minimalist Effigies
The grand burning of the effigy of Ravana is very much a part of the Dussehra festivities, but the practice leads to non-biodegradable waste. Educate local event planners to use bamboo, paper and natural paints instead of plastic, thermocol and chemical colors. They can then return to the soil easily after the party.
Encourage Carpooling or Walking to Events
Community gatherings during Dussehra lead to traffic congestion and unnecessary fuel consumption. Reduce your carbon footprint by walking to nearby events or arranging carpools with friends and family. It makes the journey fun while contributing to cleaner air.
Compost Food Waste
Festivals mean feasts, and feasts often mean leftovers. Instead of letting food scraps end up in the garbage, start a small compost bin at home. Vegetable peels, fruit waste, and used plates made of natural fibers can easily turn into nutrient-rich compost for your plants.
Teach Children the Value of a Green Dussehra
Dussehra is the best time for passing core indian values to the future generations, like practicing the core concepts of waste management. Teach them the values of celebrating festivals without contributing to waste as they assist you in simple activities like arranging blossoms, nurturing a sapling, or curtailing plastic usage. Value-based activities help children as their reflections and learns guide their future for a period in life.
The Joy of a Waste-Free Dussehra
Celebrating Dussehra in an eco-friendly way doesn’t mean to cut back on joy. In fact, it adds to the significance of the festival. Using natural decorations, compostable plates, reusable decor, and limiting fireworks helps the planet, and you help to influence the people around you in the community.
As you get ready to celebrate the festival and do “Dussehra kab hai” searches, don’t forget to ask yourself, how do I prepare for a waste-free Dussehra. Through thoughtful decisions, you help to create cleaner spaces, fresher air, and a better tomorrow.
Instead of just in a story, let us say the victory of good and evil in action, by celebrating the absence of waste and the presence of sustainability. I hope the Dussehra is your best one yet; filled with joy, mindfulness, and true compassion to the earth.