Eco-Friendly Dussehra Decorations: How to Celebrate Sustainably?

One of the most beloved festivals celebrated in India is Dussehra. It marks the end of the Navratri period and commemorates the victory of good over evil. There’s feasting and fasting, fireworks, plays, processions, and community gatherings.

As we witness firsthand the devastating effects of climate change, more and more people are being drawn towards sustainable approaches in their day-to-day lives. That includes wanting to celebrate the festivities without feeling guilty about its impact on Mother Earth.

Traditionally Dussehra decor includes colorful rangolis, beautifully embroidered torans, diyas, idols, and plenty of flowers. All these can be incorporated into your festive decor using sustainable products.

Sustainable Celebrations for Dussehra

Here’s how you can celebrate an eco-friendly Dussehra without compromising on the essence of the festival.

Flowers: Use locally sourced flowers like marigolds to add a splash of color and have your home smell divine. Hang them around the house, use them as door hangings, or incorporate them in your rangoli design. Don’t forget to put them in the compost bin once you’ve finished using them.
Clay/mud idols: Ditch the PoP and opt for clay idols decorated with natural colors. They dissolve easily in the water and the organic materials don’t cause too much pollution. You can also have a fun family activity and make your clay idols at home.
Earthen diyas: Traditional clay diyas lit with oil/ghee create a magical atmosphere. These not only look beautiful but also help reduce your electric consumption.
Fabrics: Use fabrics to create beautiful backdrops. Drape them over your furniture for a pop of festive colour or hang them like tapestries on your wall.
Origami: Use paper to make lanterns, flowers, or torans. The possibilities are endless with a little craft and creativity.
Recycled decor: Reuse leftover decor from previous celebrations. Repurpose magazines into flowers or lanterns, use old fabric to make buntings and banners, containers or earthen pots can be used for flower arrangements.
LED lights: lights are an important part of these festivities, use LED tea lights to create the traditional diya effect or you can also use low-power fairy lights to create bright spaces. Say no to traditional lights that consume too much electricity.
Bamboo and leaves: These can be used in various ways, for example: Pooja pandals can be made using coconut leaves or peepal tree leaves, you can also use bamboo and even jute to create beautiful sustainable decorations.
DIY effigies: Make effigies of Ravana using paper and cardboard. Involve your kids in these craft projects and create cherished memories as you go
Sustainable wall decor: Macrame wall hangings, paper twill panels, upcycled wooden planks, tiles, textiles, etc you can also make use of Dandiya sticks to create unique wall art.

Bonus Ideas for a Green Dussehra

Festivals of such large scale generate enormous amounts of waste and the use of non-biodegradable materials leads to further environmental damage. Taking some small measures can have a huge impact on reducing pollution.

Community gatherings for plays and reading of scripture can be used to create positive change by encouraging participants to join cleanup drives, and tree-planting activities or educating them on waste management practices and proper disposal methods of post-festival wastes.
When preparing a feast one can be mindful of avoiding excessive food waste and use eco-friendly or reusable plates and utensils.
Avoid fast fashion. Buy clothes that are made sustainably and those that last longer. Handloom garments made by local artisans are a great alternative.
Limit the use of firecrackers. Use green firecrackers instead as they cause less noise and air pollution.
Avoid using loud sound systems that can cause noise pollution and bother elderly people, small children, and animals.

Conclusion

Dussehra is a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. In 2024 as global temperatures rise and climate change impacts the lives of thousands of people all over the world, pollution is an evil that needs to be stopped.

India is at the epicenter of the climate crisis and it is up to us to make proactive changes in the way we live our lives. Sustainability is the key and more people need to be involved in this endeavor for it to have a real impact. Have a sustainable Dussehra by joining hands with Brown Living. Check the official Brown Living website to make your festivals eco-friendly.