This Diwali, celebrities are indulging in eco-friendly festivities and saying no to crackers to keep the surroundings noise and pollution-free and ensure safety of stray animals and pets
Manyaekta Gugliani (BOMBAY TIMES; October 28, 2019)

‘INSTEAD OF CRACKERS, WE BUY FOOD FOR THE HOMELESS’: Shilpa Shetty
Shamita and I stopped buying crackers when we were 12 or 13 years old. Instead, we started buying samosas and batata vadas for homeless people. However, I did buy sparklers for my son when he was 4, and that was it. He didn’t like the noise, so we stopped buying crackers. On Diwali, we decorate the house with lights and lamps. I make rangoli,and laddoos and sweets at home and distribute them to family and friends. Diwali is a festival to usher in new beginnings and positivity. I hope we also encourage family and friends to celebrate this festival by going the eco-friendly way.


‘CRACKERS ARE TOXIC AND HARMFUL’: Daisy Shah
Crackers are toxic and harmful for the environment. I celebrate this festival of happiness with a small family get-together and enjoy over good food and conversations. Let’s stay away from bursting crackers. I know the kind of trouble the strays go through during this particular time of the year and have also seen a lot of people getting sadistic pleasure by troubling stray animals.


‘BURSTING CRACKERS RUIN THE SPIRIT OF THE FESTIVAL’: Amyra Dastur
Every Diwali, my family and I go to our farmhouse in Khandala and spend time together, catch up and exchange gifts and play cards. I made sure my family stopped bursting crackers about 10 years ago. My mom was against crackers as our dogs would be miserable because of the noise. I think bursting crackers ruin the spirit of the festival. Our planet is facing a crisis and we seem to be ruining it further. Crackers shouldn’t be allowed and we should celebrate Diwali without causing harm to the street animals or the environment. I love picking up unique diyas and lanterns made from recycled material.


‘REFRAIN FROM BURSTING CRACKERS, SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT’: Rakul Preet Singh
Diwali is all about bringing smiles to people’s faces. We should refrain from bursting crackers, let’s save the environment. Instead of spending money on crackers, one can give food to the underprivileged, that will actually make Diwali happy for them. The real purpose of this festival should be to spread happiness.


‘LET’S KEEP OUR ANIMAL FRIENDS SAFE THIS DIWALI’: Adah Sharma
I don’t burst firecrackers. My idea of Diwali is absolutely eco-friendly. I feel that one can celebrate without harming other living beings. Crackers pollute the air and scare the animals. Instead, wear new clothes, spread positivity and light up lives. I also believe that instead of creating nuisance for others, we should invest in relationships on Diwali and have fun.


‘CRACKERS ARE A BIG NO FOR ME’: Kangana Ranaut
This Diwali, I am in Manali with my family. I have never burst crackers before; in fact, they are a big no for me. I am an environmentalist and I feel that one has to be very sensitive towards protecting nature. Instead of spending money on crackers, you can actually use it to provide food to the needy. Plant a tree today instead of bursting crackers and adding to the pollution. Let’s be in sync with Mother Earth. During Diwali, I enjoy doing Laxmi puja, and this time around, I am in the mountains enjoying the festivities with my family.

‘BE MINDFUL OF THE ENVIRONMENT’: Hina Khan
Diwali is a very special festival for me. Everything around is so colourful and vibrant. The true spirit of the festivities lies in spending time with one’s family and friends. While we are enjoying the festival, let’s be mindful about the environment. And the first step would be to avoid bursting crackers and use earthen diyas instead. Given the current climate change crisis, giving up crackers would be a step in the right direction.