Dussehra, also known as Durga Puja, spans nine days (Navaratri), with Vijaya Dashami marking the
victory of good over evil on the tenth day. Amidst the grand festivities, with giant puja pandals, largerthan-life goddess statues, ornate decorations, feasts, and more, the celebration often results in piles of waste.

As the festive season approaches, you can revel in the joy and prosperity of Dussehra while being ecoconscious. Here are a few tips for an eco-friendly puja celebration:

Eco-Friendly Idols: Traditionally, clay idols were used, but plaster of Paris (PoP) took over, causing water
pollution and slow dissolution. Opt for eco-friendly clay idols for a sustainable celebration.

Natural Colors: Avoid chemical paints that pollute water and the environment. Use natural colors, such
as dyes from flowers, for idol decoration.

Eco-Friendly Decor: Reduce waste by decorating puja pandals with biodegradable materials like paper
products and bamboo, instead of non-degradable items like thermocol and plastic.

Biodegradable Plates and Products: Use disposable plates and products made from biodegradable
materials, such as leaves, for Prasad distribution and meals, instead of non-environmentally friendly
plastic ones.

Energy-Efficient Lighting: Choose energy-efficient lighting, like CFL bulbs, over power-consuming halogen
lights for pandal decoration.

Avoid Loudspeakers or loud DJ’s: Respect your neighbors and avoid playing loudspeakers or noisy DJs
during the celebration.

Minimize Firecrackers: Reduce the use of firecrackers, as they release harmful smoke and pollute the air.

Use Public Transport: Opt for public transportation instead of contributing to traffic congestion with
private vehicles when visiting puja pandals.

Recycling: Collect flowers and organic materials used in the puja and repurpose them as compost for
your garden. Additionally, consider immersing the idol in a separate water container and use that water
for plants, rather than immersing it in nearby water bodies.

By following these eco-friendly practices, you can enjoy a sustainable Dussehra celebration that benefits
the environment and your community.

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