LET THERE BE LIGHT

How are city youths planning to celebrate the Diwali this year?



LIGHTING UP:
Youngsters are opting for a green Diwali



 IT’S the festival of lights and crackers, of loads of mithai and lots of shopping. But, for many city youngsters, Diwali is going to be a ‘different’ affair this time. Even as the pre-festival frenzy surrounds us, there are those who have made their plans already. For them, Diwali isn’t going to be just about bursting crackers and lighting up their homes. It’s about doing good for the society.As Priya Bhagat, a college student, puts it, “Diwali is not just about spending time with family and friends. Instead, it’s about lighting up someone’s life. This year, my sister and I plan to visit an orphanage. We plan to do it a few days before Diwali since the place will be full of people wanting to spend time with the children on the day itself. I want to spend quality time, and also wish to sponsor the education of a few children.” Talking along similar lines, MBA student Deepti Sangani and her friends have given the old idea a new twist. They aren’t donating old clothes but new ones. They say that they want to see everyone in their brightest best. “My friends and I are shopaholics. Each one of us has, sometime or the other, complained of having clothes that haven’t been worn even once. So we thought, why just let them lie in our wardrobe when someone can look beautiful wearing them? We decided to bring all those nice and pretty dresses, and give them to people who really need them,” she tells. While, for many, festive fervour and firecrackers go hand in hand, there are those who wish to have eco-friendly Diwali and want zero pollution.“It’s been more than five years since I last burst crackers. I think there are better things to do than just shooting rockets”, says Mahi Bhutada, an advertising professional.

For those who just cannot bid goodbye to crackers, there is a ‘green’ way they can explore. “I cannot give up bursting crackers. There are firecrackers that produce less sound and are available in the market. I have bought these eco-friendly crackers as I want to do my bit as well,” says Siddhant Jain, a photographer. Youngsters who have been away from home plan to visit their grandparents and lighten up their festival. Manish Sinha who is working in an IT company in Hyderabad intends to celebrate Diwali with his grandparents in Pune. “My grandparents live in Pune, and I plan to spend the festival with them. I want to see an everlasting smile on their face and wish to do all that they have been longing to.Two of my cousins are also accompanying me,and we are going to have a grand Diwali. My grandmother is very bubbly. Even at 72, she loves to have fun and party. So this Diwali is dedicated to her,” says he.

Those who cannot go home plan to enjoy the festival with friends. “Why crib and cry over things that are not in our hands? So, my roomies and I have decided to make this Diwali special by decorating our little home, like our mothers do each year. We are also making sweets and goodies for everyone. We will also have a small-get together for all our friends. We wish to feel at home and enjoy the festival like we always do,” tells Shraddha Bhatia, an IT professional.

This Diwali is not just about lighting up your home. It is also about enlightening our lives, which the youngsters seem to be know quite well!