Diwali, the festival of lights, is just ten days away and it's time to go shopping already! Buying new clothes, lighting up houses with lanterns, and getting gifts are traditions we all look forward to.
However, by the end of the festival, you see disturbed pets, piles of trash on the road side and grey, polluted skies.
The gift wrappers go to waste right after their single use, clothes sit in closets until they are worn again and don’t last very long either. Therefore, bursting crackers disturbs the environment, shopping fast for fashion is not sustainable, and most gift packaging isn’t environment friendly. It’s time to celebrate in a greener way!
So this Diwali, apart from skipping the crackers and shopping aimlessly, reuse what you already have. And in case of gifting, here are five unique ideas.
1.Quilled candle holders and eco-friendly deities
Akshata Dalvi curates a one-stop box from the best of crafts, handmade by local artisans. The Diwali hamper includes fabric-covered notebooks, terracotta murtis, small paper kandils, quilled candle holders and much more. It comes packed in a cardboard box and is available via delivery only.
Price: Rs 750 onwards
Location: Rahee art, Saligao
Contact: +91 9870214976
Instagram: @Rahee.art
2. Spa in a box or a nut case
In Japanese culture, it is important to give something, even if it is very little, when you meet someone, especially for the first time. It is a way of saying ‘thank you for all the help I might need from you,’ in advance. Garima Kumar brings this concept of gift giving to Goa through specially-curated hampers of nuts, candles and scrubs. They can be picked up or delivered.
Price: 750 onwards
Location: Zoto, Colva
Contact: +91 9717581988
Instagram: @zoto.goa
Website: www.zoto.co.in
3. Hand-painted greetings to wall pieces
Work-Life balance is a goal for many, but Dhanusha Gogineni makes it happen by working a full-time job and beyond it, creating art. She hand paints greeting cards and framed pieces with everything from sunsets to deities. They make a perfect gift as they remind you to slow down and work towards your goals. They can be picked up or delivered.
Price: ₹ 300 onwards
Location: Artistic Affair, Miramar
Contact: +91 7020819207
Instagram: @artistic_affair__
4. Traditional art hampers
Vrinda Upadhyay takes you back in time by keeping traditional forms of art alive. She creates Diwali gift hampers with her keychains, fridge magnets, coasters and more. These also make great souvenirs for family and friends who are visiting. Pick up and delivery are, both, are possible.
Price: ₹ 1,000
Location: House This Art, Porvorim
Instagram: @housethisart
Website: www.housethisart.com
5. Upcycled bags to earrings
Upcycling may be the buzzword, but Joscia Coutinho makes it a reality by collecting used denim and leftover fabric to create head-turning products. From bags to shoes to clothes to accessories, she makes them consciously, while creating minimum waste and keeping fashion slow. Delivery is possible via courier service.
Price: ₹ 300 onwards
Location: Ecocia, Margao
Contact: +91 9850997112
Instagram: @ecocia_goa
(Heena Shah is an avid traveller and covers topics such as sustainable travel and lifestyle. Got comments, suggestions? Contact: Explorer.heena@gmail.com)
