Change future

The Hindu festival season that begins in the latter half of the year with rakshabandhan is reaching its peak with Durga puja, dussehra and diwali. And yet again, pollution-related concerns are on everyone's mind. Almost 18 years ago, DownToEarth had asked, be as polluting as they are at 1999).

Today, people are more aware of the harmful impacts of pollution and want to celebrate festivals without harming the environment. For instance, many prefer buying idols made from ecofriendly material like clay. Bursting crackers is losing popularity. Hopefully, our festivals will go greener in the not-so-distant future.