In recent times Diwali has lost its original connotation, and now the celebration is mostly about burning firecrackers.

We forget that Diwali is more than bursting firecrackers. Following are ways to celebrate this festival of lights and spread the cheer not pollution:

👉Make Diwali Treats at home.

Instead of spending thousands and thousands of rupees in sweets and chocolates and circulating them to friends and relatives, this year for a change make sweets at home and involve children and family members in making these treats.

👉Spend time in decorating the house.

Children love taking responsibilities of decorating with paper art, rangoli, flower rangoli, diyas and fairy lights. When they put in so much effort and they see the house all beautiful and lit up, the experience itself is so fulfilling.

👉Throw a house party.

Engage the guests with dance, music, food, games and antakshari. Make all the noise amongst yourself. Trust me, the adrenaline rush in enjoying with family and friends is way beyond what you get from crackers

👉Invest your money in thoughtful gifts.

Instead of giving gifts which do not add value to the receiver, let’s attempt to give personalized gifts to each other that will always be special. For example, gifting a pen drive with songs, shayari, for your family /friends will be so touching.

👉Share a smile with the needy.

This year apart from spending time with your near and dear ones, do something special for the poor. We can begin this with our house helps.

Invite them to your celebration, make them a part of the festivities. The smile that you will share with them will be so special.

👉Green Crackers-  If the kids still insist on bursting crackers, create some fun crackers at home. Fill your room with balloons and burst them with incense sticks. Get paper envelopes and burst them with hands. These fun ways of making noises are way louder than the crackers.