Children celebrate Diwali with trees

The children of Pratapgarh district in Allahabad set an example by celebrating eco-friendly Diwali in a unique way. A group of 50 children in Bojhi village of Pratapgarh district on Thursday celebrated Diwali with lighting the lamps (diyas) around trees.  The children also vowed to protect trees and spread the message of environmental protection in the society. Paryavaran Sena- an organization creating awareness on environment protection arranged the event under the theme of ‘Diwali with trees- Happiness in the environment’. As many as 50 children participated in the event along with their parents and guardians who took the oath of environment protection and safety of nature. Later, the children lit the diyas around the trees and performed arti. They also appealed people to maintain cleanliness in the village and plant more trees. Head of Paryavaran Sena, Ajay Krantikari said, " If we are able to change the tradition of celebrating festivals, we would be able to protect our environment". He further added that children are well aware of the level of pollution that rises due to the bursting of crackers. Twelve-year-old Dipika stated that crackers leave an adverse impact on human health and environment. Another student Radha Rani appealed to the villagers to celebrate eco-friendly Diwali. Social activist Ravi Prakash Mishra said asserted that the rising level of pollution has left its impact on human lives and all should come forward to protect our environment.