Hyderabad: This Diwali, many residents have turned to offbeat ways of celebrating the festival of lights. From skipping the firecrackers to taking up charities and food drives for the less privileged, they have adapted different ways to make the festive day more than just about fun and food. In fact, breaking down communal boundaries, many people from the Muslim community too have come forward to be a part of these social initiatives.
A gated community in Kompally, Garden Housing, is ringing in Diwali with an ‘EcoUtsav’ this year to dissuade its residents from indulging in bursting crackers. “It will be held on Diwali eve and ensure that everyone – right from kids to seniors – are engaged in some activity so they are not drawn to bursting crackers,” said A Daredia, convenor of the residential community.
He added: “Imagine if over 4,000 people skip firecrackers. It will see a significant drop in environmental damage. Plus, all the material used for the carnival, from banners to decor, will be biodegradable. We have decided to avoid single-use plastic.”
Decluttering & Donations
For residents of Sainikpuri and Vayupuri, the festival is also about decluttering and helping the less fortunate have a “happy” Diwali too. “Through our Charity Jumble Sale, we will sell unused items like utensils, clothes, electronics, and ornaments – priced anywhere between Rs 10 and Rs 300. The proceeds will go towards funding orphanages, old-age homes, and bearing the medical and educational expenses of underprivileged students,” said Gulshan Gev Bamboat, one of the organisers.
“Our idea is simple. Everyone deserves a Diwali, and often what we discard while cleaning our homes holds great value for someone else.”
Food Drive From Dhanteras To Diwali
Echoing this spirit of inclusiveness, members of the Muslim community have also come forward to spread some cheer during Diwali. In Toli Chowki, Asif Sohail, a civil engineer by profession, has organised a Diwali food drive for three days from Dhanteras to Diwali to offer nutritious food to the poor and homeless. “Food is at the heart of every celebration, and sharing a meal extends Diwali’s warmth and joy to everyone,” he said.
A gated community in Kompally, Garden Housing, is ringing in Diwali with an ‘EcoUtsav’ this year to dissuade its residents from indulging in bursting crackers. “It will be held on Diwali eve and ensure that everyone – right from kids to seniors – are engaged in some activity so they are not drawn to bursting crackers,” said A Daredia, convenor of the residential community.
He added: “Imagine if over 4,000 people skip firecrackers. It will see a significant drop in environmental damage. Plus, all the material used for the carnival, from banners to decor, will be biodegradable. We have decided to avoid single-use plastic.”
Decluttering & Donations
For residents of Sainikpuri and Vayupuri, the festival is also about decluttering and helping the less fortunate have a “happy” Diwali too. “Through our Charity Jumble Sale, we will sell unused items like utensils, clothes, electronics, and ornaments – priced anywhere between Rs 10 and Rs 300. The proceeds will go towards funding orphanages, old-age homes, and bearing the medical and educational expenses of underprivileged students,” said Gulshan Gev Bamboat, one of the organisers.
“Our idea is simple. Everyone deserves a Diwali, and often what we discard while cleaning our homes holds great value for someone else.”
Food Drive From Dhanteras To Diwali
Echoing this spirit of inclusiveness, members of the Muslim community have also come forward to spread some cheer during Diwali. In Toli Chowki, Asif Sohail, a civil engineer by profession, has organised a Diwali food drive for three days from Dhanteras to Diwali to offer nutritious food to the poor and homeless. “Food is at the heart of every celebration, and sharing a meal extends Diwali’s warmth and joy to everyone,” he said.
