Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time of joy and celebration for people all over India. It’s a time when homes are lit up, families come together, and there’s a palpable sense of happiness in the air. Yet, amid the festivities, we must also consider the environmental impact of our celebrations. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant festivals in India. It represents the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrated with great enthusiasm, it’s a time for grand feasts, dazzling fireworks, and, of course, traditional pujas (prayers). The puja, an essential part of Diwali, involves offering prayers to deities, invoking blessings for prosperity and happiness. Central to these rituals are incense sticks (agarbattis) and dhoop (incense cones). These fragrant materials are believed to purify the surroundings and create a serene ambiance.
Issues with Traditional Incense Sticks and Dhoop
While incense sticks and dhoop have a long history in Indian traditions, there are environmental concerns associated with many of these products. The most commonly used incense sticks are made from a combination of charcoal and bamboo sticks.
The production and use of these traditional incense sticks contribute to several problems:
1. Air Pollution: The burning of charcoal-based incense sticks releases harmful particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These pollutants can be harmful to respiratory health, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions like asthma.
2. Deforestation: The widespread use of bamboo for incense sticks has led to deforestation in some regions. Bamboo, a fast-growing plant, is an eco-friendly choice when managed sustainably. Unfortunately, it’s not always harvested responsibly for incense production. Moreover, according to the Hindu culture bamboo is used to carry corpses and is considered inauspicious to be used in Home Puja rituals.
3. Health Concerns: Some incense sticks are produced with chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can have adverse health effects. Traditional dhoop, made from a mixture of chemicals, can release harmful fumes when burned.
The Eco-Friendly Revolution
The good news is that a growing number of eco-conscious brands are addressing these issues. They offer charcoal-free, bamboo-free, and sustainable alternatives for incense sticks and dhoop.
These eco-friendly incense products are often made from natural materials like flowers, herbs, and essential oils. Some brands even source flowers discarded from temples to create incense, providing an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution. Check out our recommendations for eco-friendly home cleaning options for this diwali too.
Here are some of the eco-friendly brands making a difference:
1. Phool
The pioneers of using temple waste flowers to produce incense sticks and other products, Phool started with the idea to clean river Ganges. Although there are various factors such as tanneries, factories, and sewers that indiscriminately dump their refuse into the river, Phool tackles the issue of temple waste flowers. These flowers that end up at the temples are full of pesticides and insecticides. Once they reach the waters of the river, the chemicals wash off, mixing with the water, making toxic compounds, suppressing the oxygen level and thereby gravely threatening marine life. Hours of experimenting and convincing various stakeholders along the process Phool conceived and crafted its flowercycled incense that are charcoal and bamboo free. Today Phool’s products ranges include incense sticks, dhoop cones, havan cups, essential oils and various gift boxes.
2. Hoovu
Hoovu started as a daily puja flower delivery service in city of Bengaluru. Today they have come a long way from delivering flowers and have launched a range of daily puja essentials. Their range of products contain Agarbathis, Dhoop Sticks and Incense Cones in five different fragrances – Rose, Jasmine, Lavender, Sandalwood and Tulsi. Agarbattis are made from sacred temple flowers. The dhoop sticks and cones made with natural ingredients ensures a peaceful and beautiful pooja experience. Just light them and sit back to enjoy, as the subtle aroma fills the room and awakens your senses.
3. Nirmalaya
Nirmalaya, founded in response to the health and environmental issues posed by traditional incense, recycles temple offerings like flowers into eco-friendly incense. Their Delhi-based factory, equipped with patented recycling processes, employs a women-driven workforce to craft natural, pure incense, aiming to eliminate religious waste and chemical-laden products while creating a fragrant, eco-conscious space.
4. Antarkranti/ Earth Inspired
EarthInspired is a platform dedicated to amplifying products created by cause-based initiatives and individual-driven enterprises, championing fair trade and community empowerment. Through collaborations, they offer innovative input and a fair pricing system, ensuring profits return to the source and create employment. EarthInspired began its journey by marketing products crafted by prisoners, partnering with Antarkranti’s Vocational Training & Livelihood Generating Program, supporting both incarcerated and released prisoners. Today, Earth Inspired product range contain charcoal and bamboo free incense sticks, aroma oils, herbal gulal, assorted dhoop cones etc. Talk about choosing fragrance with a cause.
5. Devgandha
Devgandha, a brand deeply committed to India’s aromatic heritage, offers distinctive and nature-inspired fragrances, focusing on native scents. Their therapeutic fragrances aim to promote well-being and calm. Honoring Kannauj’s perfume legacy, Devgandha brings originality to India’s fragrance tradition, steering clear of Western imitations. Its range of incense sticks, dhoop cones, and aroma oils will not only give your diwali puja a heavenly smell but keep your home smelling fresh and festive.
6. Samskara
Samskara Home, a brand rooted in India’s rich culture and traditions, seeks to preserve and share this heritage with future generations. They blend age-old customs with modern style, offering handcrafted products that bring a sense of timelessness to your home. From charcoal free incense to to aarti thalis to brass idols, their range includes various items for a complete sensory experience, helping you achieve a balanced life.
7. Nytarra
Dhoop sticks, deeply ingrained in Indian culture for centuries, serve both spiritual and therapeutic purposes. Nytarra Naturals Dhoop Sticks provide a high-quality, all-natural option, free from harmful chemicals. With a range of delightful scents, these sticks offer stress relief, relaxation, and improved focus, contributing to overall well-being.
8. Holy Waste
HolyWaste© is an innovative project by Oorvi Sustainable Concepts, focusing on floral waste management. They revitalize discarded flowers through “FloRejuvenation.” Partnering with places of worship, vendors, and more, they’ve expanded rapidly, diverting around 200kgs of floral waste from landfills and lakes daily. With a commitment to eco-friendly, child-safe, and sustainable products, their initiatives largely empower women and provide charcoal-free, handcrafted incense sticks like Vimoksh and bamboo-free dhoop sticks known as Anandha. Other than these their product range also include Bhoomija (their compost), Petals (paraben free soaps), Mehek (Wax Tablet Ambience Enhancers) and Raksha (Floor Cleaner, Pet & Plant Safe).
These eco-friendly brands have shown that it’s possible to enjoy the rituals of Diwali without harming the environment. They prioritize sustainability, promote the well-being of local communities, and contribute to a greener future.
As we approach Diwali, let’s choose eco-friendly options for our pujas, reduce air pollution, and protect our forests. This festive season, light up your home while also being kind to the planet.
Make a conscious choice to celebrate a green Diwali.
