Diwali is symbolized as the success of Lord Vishnu over evil in the western parts of India. This festival is celebrated with pomp and show in all parts of India but the common link in all celebration is the win of knowledge over ignorance, light over darkness and good over evil.

The festival of lights, Diwali or Deepavali celebrates the victory of Ram over Raavan and return of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana back to Ayodhya after a period of 14 years exile. This festival is even associated with the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi. In eastern India, the festival is associated with goddess Kali, who symbolizes the victory of good over evil. In southern India, Diwali marks the day when god Krishna overpowered and destroyed the evil demon, Narakasura.

Diwali is symbolized as the success of Lord Vishnu over evil in the western parts of India. This festival is celebrated with pomp and show in all parts of India but the common link in all celebration is the win of knowledge over ignorance, light over darkness and good over evil. Deepavali originates from a Sanskrit term meaning "row or series of lights". The main center of attraction of celebration are the brightly illuminated and dazzling houses, temples, shops and buildings that glitter and shine because of light from diyas and electric lightings.

Mouthwatering delicacies, traditional attire, holy rituals, colored rangoli; grand fireworks occupy a special place in everyone’s heart during this festive season. Between this hustle bustles we often tend to miss out fun for our own soul. So this Diwali let us travel an extra mile and illuminate not just our houses or surrounding but our lives also.

1. Plant trees and light up the generation: Let us make Diwali 2018 an eco-friendly affair. Let us promise to plan at least one tree and illuminate and rejuvenate lives of our coming generation. Rather than exploding firecrackers which lead to injection of toxic gases into environment, let us utilize that money and buy seeds and plants. Gift your loved ones Tulsi, money plant, orchids, lavender, roses, and amaryllis and fill their life with bundle of joy. So this Diwali put on your favorite sneakers and hit the nursery for a lovely green evening.

2. Visit your far-off relatives, explore their city and treat yourself with the best: One of the major likings of the festival lays in the delicacies offered in different parts of the India during Diwali. From Rasgulla to tempting barfis, from patisha and soan papdi to peppery mathris, from samosa to South Indian Murruku, from Malpua to Cholafali, from Ukkrai to Anarsa, just select a destination, explore its magnificence, hop on to the stalls and experience the real taste of India.

3. Donate to bring sparkle in someone’s life present at the far-off places: The satisfaction that one experiences on giving away what one has is unparalleled to the act of receiving. It is not necessary to donate in terms of money; you can even donate and devote your time. This Diwali spare some time to devote to people whose life remains dark when your houses are lit with 1000 bulbs. Just open the storage area, grab all the unwanted toys, clothes, food and feed someone who is in need and make this Diwali a merrier affair for them. It is not necessary that you confine yourself to nearby areas rather travel to far-off areas and spread happiness.

4. Each one teaches one to light up someone else’s life: Diwali 2018 can be more special and bright by contributing to someone’s education. The best gift you can give to someone is the gift of power of education. You can visit any of the rural schools or an orphanage and spend a day with kids and help them to do better in life. It is not necessary to go down to orphanage; you can even give away moral teachings to your younger siblings and contribute to their growth. As it is said charity begins at home, so go ahead and spend some valuable and quality time. Trust us, your life would be more meaningful once you start contributing to society.

5. Spend time with family and take them to pilgrimage spot: The 21st century has become a techno-savio deal. We tend to spend more time with gadgets than the people surrounding us. Family interaction has reduced to just WhatsApp group messages which are unread by the maximum population. So this Diwali, leave behind all your Android, iPhones and tablets and go and connect with people. Talk to them, ask them how they are and see the happiness galore that surrounds. Go back home and hug your parents and tell them how much you love them. Take them to a pilgrimage spot and make their day brighter. This would indeed make their Diwali brighter than ever before.

6. Read a book and light up your life: Book is the greatest friend one can ever have. You read a book and you live million experiences. So this Diwali, light up your soul. Gift yourself a classic and sit back to experience a fun-filled roller coaster ride that fills up your spirit. Do read ‘On the Road by Jack Kerouac’, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, Turtles All the Way Down by John Green, The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton.

7. Illuminate Diwali 2018 with unique handcrafted diyas and lamps: This Diwali, let us pledge to use more of handmade diyas thereby promoting make In India. Lighting up every nook and corner of houses with earthen lamps rather than electric bulbs and even enlightening our souls by abstaining any thought of ego and falsehood can bring a lot of difference in our lives.

8. Enrich your wanderlust: Money can help you fill up your pockets but travel fills up your spirit. Diwali is celebrated with great zeal in all parts of India. Various activities, events, fairs, exhibitions, and gatherings are held by different communities and associations all over India to increase the bonding. So this Diwali just mark your destination, pack your bags and explore the rich cultural heritage and traditional flair of India.

9. Contribute to cleaner society: Make sure Diwali 2018 is cleaner, greener and happier. Pledge to minimizes the use of resources and keep our surroundings clean to light up our Earth and preserve it for our for our future generation.

10. Meet long-distance friends and be a reason for their smile: Keep spreading smiles because smile has the power to do unbelievable things. Go visit your far-off friends and rejuvenate your friendship.

11. Be thankful to everyone you meet at every place you go: This Diwali spare some time to thank people. Extend gratitude to your parents for what they have made you, to your siblings, friends, and teachers and to society. You can opt for e-cards, handmade cards or call them to tell how obliged you are to them for their presence. This indeed will cheer them.

Diwali is a festival of joy and merriment. So make sure that Diwali 2018 is the grandest of all by celebrating a greener, cleaner, fuller, happier and grander Diwali?
Happy Diwali. Have an eco-friendly one?