Onam, primarily rooted in Kerala, has now gained national and international importance, celebrated by all communities worldwide. India, a culturally diverse nation with a rich heritage for festivals, has celebrated every occasion enthusiastically, showcasing unity in diversity. Such occasions highlight the harmony of joy and friendship and promote a collective acceptance of oneness. Onam, now not restrained to Kerala borders, bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, reinforcing the idea of cultural coherence despite geographical distances.
” The vibrant and jubilant festival of Kerala is celebrated with great enthusiasm, symbolizing togetherness, prosperity, and the legendary return of the mythical King Mahabali.” From bombastic decorations to myriad food menus, sports, and events, the festival is nothing short of grandeur. However, celebrations are marked by a splurge of wealth on feasts, decorations, and garments. With rising concerns about climate change, carbon emissions, and food waste, the underpinning factor of sustainable celebrations should not be overlooked.
To spur a new wave of change, let us look at a few potent possibilities for Onam celebrations to be sustainable through recycling and sharing. These practices can be imbibed in every other celebration, too.
Choose Eco-friendly decorations and gifts:
Without the right décor and gifts, there’s no festival to cherish, and Pookalam stands out as a highlight of Onam. Let’s make it eco-friendlier with some simple choices:
Natural flowers for Pookalam: Roses aren’t green, and carrots aren’t either; let us stick to natural flowers for an eco-friendly hue. Locally sourced flowers will enable farmers to thrive and ensure they are seasonal. This way, we can reduce carbon emissions associated with transporting imported flowers. Ditch the plastic decorations and other synthetic fabrics in favor of naturally grown banana leaves, coconut shells, or jute-based crafts. This will facilitate an easier decomposition process, reducing waste after the festival.
DIY décor and natural materials: It is indeed an opportunity to explore and showcase your creative brain by crafting your décor with eco-friendly materials like clay, wood, and palm leaves. Handmade lanterns, clay oil lamps (diyas), and jute buntings and banners allow you to showcase your creativity with a personal touch, adding vibrancy and color to your celebrations.
Sustainable gifts galore for the eco-friendly: Love in action is expressed through carefully curated gifts. The joy of giving and receiving is a win-win act. By incorporating eco-friendly products, the gifting experience is multifold.
Plantable saplings, seed pencils, or cards are a thoughtful way to give back to nature. They inspire young minds to grow plants and inculcate the habit of sustainability. By supporting local artisans with handmade bamboo crafts, organic soaps, natural candles, and jute or cotton bags that replace single-use plastics, adds more flavor to the festival leaving a lasting impact long after the festival.
Sustainable clothing choices: While new clothes are a traditional part of celebrations and sometimes made customary, it is equally imperative to rethink our fashion habits and buying frequency. Here are two ways to make your wardrobe look aesthetic:
Handloom and Organic Fabrics: Fast fashion contributes 40% of yearly textile waste. Opting for organic cotton for traditional kasavu sarees and mundus drastically reduces our carbon footprint and enriches the lives of local artisans without compromising on Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
Reuse and Repurpose: Instead of buying new clothes each year, consider reusing last year’s festive outfits or upcycling older ones. You can add a modern touch with accessories or alterations without buying a new outfit. Sounds great?
Onam Sadhya – Plant-based Servings
Are we blowing the trumpet without the feast on the banana leaf for a meal that is central to the festival? Can we make it sustainable? Here we go:
Local and seasonal ingredients: Source from your local vendors and choose seasonal fruits and vegetables. This way, you cut down on cost and transport and support local lives.
Minimize food waste: Are celebrations just about devouring a feast and having a post lunch good sleep? Where does the residue go? How do we channelize it? What about the excess food? Food for thought, isn’t it? Dispose of waste responsibly and prepare food for the assured headcounts. Ensure the remaining food is distributed to people who can’t afford it yet can be a part of your celebration.
Minimize water waste: Celebrations mark excessive water use, and despite the prevailing scarcity, the importance of preserving water resources over the long haul has been downplayed massively. Water wastage and distribution of water in plastic bottles, with half water consumed and thrown in the bin, is an act of disaster. Let us make sure we eradicate this collective unconscious behavior.
Banana leaf plates: No plastic plates that accumulate in landfills. Using banana or areca plates helps decomposition and aligns with the festival tradition.
Go-green with Onam celebration:
The event’s highs are the rapturous sound of drums, sports, and boat races. The ship races against time to mark a win in a competitive environment. But how can we neutralize the after effects of it?
Sustainable Processions: If you participate in or organize any processions or performances, ensure that decorations and props are made from natural or recycled materials. Discourage the use of plastic banners and flags.
Say no to “Fireworks”: Fireworks are often a part of Onam celebrations but debilitate the environment and contribute to massive air pollution (global warming). Forgo them altogether.
Compost and recycle waste: These are the quintessential parts of every celebration we joyously unite and share. If biodegradable products are not properly managed, the whole act of celebration becomes futile.
Compost Organic Waste: The residue from food, floral decorations, and banana leaves from Sadhya can be composted instead of thrown away. This reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and enriches the soil.
Recycle Materials: Make a conscious effort to segregate waste. Ensure that recyclable items such as paper, glass, and metal are properly separated from organic waste and sent to recycling centers.
Sustainable Onam Travel:
Travel cannot be avoided, esp. during festivals, as we would love to spend time with our families. However, we can reduce our carbon footprint with some proactive measures.
Plan your travel: Opt for public transport or carpool if your friends travel to your hometown. Within the city, distances can be bridged by walks or bicycles to combat the carbon emissions menace.
Offset your Carbon emissions: If you’re traveling long distances, consider offsetting your carbon emissions by supporting environmental initiatives such as reforestation or renewable energy programs.
Parting thoughts:
The festival of Onam has transcended its geographical origins in Kerala and is celebrated across cultures worldwide. While this is heartening, the aftermath of such celebrations terrorizes the environment and sustainability; however, if humankind acts diligently and intelligibly together, the unsustainable celebration practices can be gradually eradicated and bring a more holistic way to make fun and merry. This way we percolate a healthier society to the next generation and educate them on our rich cultural heritage and practices. Revolutionizing our consumption pattern by adopting eco-friendly practices and making conscious choices for a better celebration, positively impacting our communities and the earth. As we celebrate Onam, let’s embrace its true spirit of unity and prosperity while committing to sustainable practices that protect our planet. Happy Sustainable Onam to all.
FAQ’S
● What is Onam?
Onam is a traditional harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, India. It marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali and is characterized by festive activities, traditional feasts (Onasadya), and cultural events.
● How can we celebrate Onam sustainably?
Reduce unsustainable practices, reuse or repurpose old fabrics, and recycle waste.
● Are there sustainable alternatives for traditional Onam gifts?
Yes! Jute bags, cotton bags, bamboo, and stainless steel are sustainable alternatives.
● How can businesses incorporate sustainability into their Onam promotions?
Businesses can promote eco-friendly products, support local vendors, and adopt green practices.
