From Eid with seviyyan to Diwali with diyas, four women break stereotypes

Speaking to The Indian Express, Rakiba, 23, who does only this work, said, “The initial few days were very difficult because everyone around us used to discourage us. But our father and our two brothers really supported us. Rather our father said no work is religion-based, every work is worship and one has to stand on his own feet. No one will earn for you. So we decided to get associated with the self-help group of the civic body and here we are.”

Narrating the time they used to put in, Rakiba said, “In fact, every day we used to work for around four hours and we did it for 60 days to make the Diwali goodies. We first dried the flowers and then made diyas, incense sticks and hawan kunds. All are made from flower waste.”

Sabra, who manages the civic body’s kiosk near smart city office as well, said, “I understand what all we had to go through but with the support of my daughters, husband and sons and especially the civic body, we have been able to do this. We will soon be having a Diwali event which we all women from the self-help group will be celebrating. Any festival is all about togetherness and happy times.”

Chandigarh generates around 300 to 350 kg of floral waste every day and it reaches 700 kg in festive days. All the items that these four women along with other women of the self- help group have made are just made from the floral waste.

Municipal Commissioner Anindita Mitra, while speaking to The Indian Express, said, “Not only we are training the self-help groups who take up different tasks but we also are reducing the waste. The move not only creates a positive impact on the environment but also supports local artisans and entrepreneurs. This Swacch Diwali, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has made an attempt to popularise and create awareness about eco-friendly items and RRR (reduce, reuse, recycle). It is also an attempt to empower women by creating livelihood opportunities.”

The ‘Prarambh’ store these three were manage in the evening was bustling at the Elante Mall. Other women from the self-help group too were managing other Prarambh stores.

Mitra stated that as an initiative of the Chandigarh civic body, visitors at the kiosk can explore a large range of eco-friendly products that are both innovative and socially and environmentally responsible.

The products also include “potlis” made from recycled clothes donated at the RRR (reduce, reuse, recycle) centre, agarbattis (incense sticks) crafted from floral waste, handmade and intricately designed candles, captivating wall paintings, and traditional oil lamps known as diyas.

She said that the Swachh Diwali-Shubh Diwali Campaign seeks to create awareness about sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to commonly used products during the Diwali festival.

Eco-friendly products on display

Cloth potlis: Embrace sustainable gifting habits with reusable and biodegradable potlis (bags), reducing plastic waste and promoting a greener lifestyle.

Herbal rangoli colors: Experience the joy of a pollution-free celebration with safe and non-toxic alternatives to chemical-based colors.

Incense sticks: Indulge in the soothing fragrances of natural and organic incense sticks, free from harmful chemicals.

Candles: Illuminate your festivities with handmade candles crafted from sustainable materials, making an eco-conscious choice.

Hoops and paintings: Discover exquisite artistic creations by local artisans, preserving traditional craftsmanship and supporting their talent.