Bollywood actress Dia Mirza, renowned not only for her illustrious career in film but also for her commitment to environmental causes, is once again making headlines with her advocacy for sustainable living. As a climate champion, Dia has been a leading voice in India, consistently encouraging eco-friendly practices. In an exclusive interview with mid-day.com, she shared her vision for a sustainable Diwali, aiming to blend age-old traditions with modern eco-consciousness.
With Diwali being one of the most celebrated festivals in India, Dia believes it presents a perfect opportunity to honor traditional values of circularity and sustainability. She emphasizes that Indian traditions have long embodied these principles. “Our kolams, crafted with rice powder, naturally fed birds. We have historically embraced biodegradable materials like banana leaves to serve festive meals and used items like clay diyas for illumination. There is truly no need for us to abandon these practices. By opting for a zero-waste, noise-free Diwali, I’m simply continuing the values and customs that have been integral to our culture for centuries,” Dia insists.
Dia’s personal Diwali celebrations focus on simplicity, family, and nature. Her festivities often revolve around home-cooked meals and the illumination of lamps. “Every festival, I make it a point to plant a tree as a representation of the message of growth and renewal. This year, I chose to donate to the Salaam Baalak Trust instead of opting for traditional gifts that tend to contribute to unnecessary waste. By doing so, I hope to plant seeds of enduring joy and meaning on such significant occasions,” she explains.
Reflecting on her childhood, Dia shares that her memories of Diwali have always been rooted in quieter, more intimate observances of the festival.
. “I don’t equate noise and smoke with Diwali. Growing up, it was always about the peaceful glow of oil lamps, the vibrancy of flower rangolis, watching my mother fill our home with light and beauty, and the joy of sharing sweets with friends,” she recalls.
Dia offers practical advice for those looking to celebrate Diwali in an environmentally friendly manner. She suggests using natural materials for decoration, such as torans made from mango leaves, rangolis comprising flowers, urlis filled with rose petals, traditional diyas, and tuberoses arranged in earthen vases. “Radiant brass deepams and soy candles are also excellent choices. I genuinely believe that when we approach celebrations with conscious intent, we can eliminate elements that cause pollution. Taking the first step might be challenging, but once done, it opens up numerous ways to simplify our lives and how we celebrate cherished festivals,” she notes.
Beyond her personal practices, Dia Mirza is calling upon everyone to revisit and revere Indian traditions known for their eco-friendly nature. “My plea to everyone is to restore and uphold our Indian customs, which are inherently sustainable and reflect a profound respect for the environment. Historically, Indian practices have been about minimalism, upcycling, and minimizing waste, all while honoring our planet. As a society, we’ve always believed in the importance of preserving biodiversity and showing kindness towards all forms of life. This is a poignant time to embrace and preserve such invaluable traditions,” Dia earnestly urges.
Dia Mirza remains a pivotal figure in the advocacy for environmental conservation within India. Her consistent promotion of eco-friendly initiatives at various levels continues to inspire many. This Diwali, as she sheds light on sustainable practices, Dia underscores that celebrating responsibly is not merely a modern movement but a revival of what has always been an intrinsic part of Indian heritage. As she confides her hope for a greener future, she reaffirms her commitment to being an eco-champion, urging others to join her in this meaningful journey.
