Plantable firecrackers add to Diwali sparkle

From colourful rockets and spinning chakris to flower pots and strings of firecrackers, Diwali festivities have traditionally been associated with fireworks.

However, growing concerns around air pollution, noise and the environmental impact of conventional crackers have encouraged people to rethink how they celebrate.

One interesting alternative is now finding its way into festive conversations: Plantable crackers!

This year many families and individuals are deciding to take the noise out and celebrate Diwali in a fresh and eco-friendly way.

Go ‘Green’ With Envy

Plantable Firecrackers, yes you heard that right!

No more waiting in line for Sutli Bombs, Fuljhadis and Rockets.

Instead now you can order your very own Diwali starter kit at home and celebrate Diwali just the way that you want.

“I don’t think plantable crackers can replace the excitement of bursting regular crackers because the experience is very different.

But I do think they can become a part of Diwali, especially for people who want to celebrate without contributing to air and noise pollution.

I’d be more interested in buying them if they were affordable, looked attractive and actually grew into something.

Sustainability also needs to be convenient if you want young people to adopt it,” says Shivam Jaiswal, an optician.

From Barood to Beej

While the idea sounds promising, plantable crackers are not necessarily a complete replacement for the traditional Diwali experience.

They do not recreate the sound, light or spectacle associated with fireworks, and that may take some getting used to for people who consider bursting crackers an integral part of the celebrations.

Roshan Ray, founder, Seed Paper India believes in giving products a second life.

“Instead of creating something that is discarded after a celebration, we wanted to create something that can eventually grow into a plant.”

Unlike old fashioned fireworks these colourful crackers are not meant to be lit or burned.

Instead they are made out of recycled paper.

Some brands use handmade paper, seed balls and organic materials that can contain seeds which eventually grow into flowers, herbs or vegetables.

A good side to these crackers is that it doesn't leave behind burnt paper and debris which can be harmful to animals and the environment.

These crackers are designed to resemble familiar festive favourites, including anars, chakris, rockets, bombs and flower pots.

However, instead of gunpowder and chemicals, they contain seeds wrapped in biodegradable paper or incorporated into seed balls.

The Planting Process

The planting process is relatively easy.

Simply soak the crackers in water for approximately 24 hours before placing them in soil, covering them lightly and watering them regularly.

“Germination generally takes around 5–14 days under suitable conditions, depending on the seed variety, temperature, moisture and growing medium,” he says.

Once the seedlings emerge, they need appropriate sunlight and regular watering, without allowing the soil to become waterlogged.

Several Indian initiatives have experimented with this concept.

Gram Art Project, a collective working with rural communities, introduced its BeejParva initiative, creating handcrafted seed crackers with the participation of women from villages in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

An Eco-friendly Alternative

Plantable crackers are multi-purpose.

Depending on the product, the planting process involves soaking the cracker, placing it in a pot or suitable patch of soil, covering it lightly and watering it regularly.

With the right growing conditions, the embedded seeds can germinate and develop into plants.

Reap As You Sow

Few months down the line, you might have homegrown tomatoes and green chillies that you can use.

Some varieties of plantable crackers are edible seeds such as coriander, fenugreek, radish and tomatoes which makes it a great activity to do with kids.

“We don’t necessarily have to give up the fun of Diwali, but we can rethink some of our choices.

Plantable crackers are an interesting idea because they give you something to look forward to even after the festival is over.

Watching something grow from what you planted is a different kind of excitement,” adds Seeta Tiwari, a homemaker.

Many of these products are handmade and locally sourced giving local communities a livelihood they can benefit from.

Celebrate With Intent

The packaging as well for these crackers are different, instead of huge hampers and boxes that stick around the corner, seed crackers can be packaged as thoughtful presents that encourage others to think before lighting up a Whistling Rocket.

“Consumers and businesses are increasingly exploring sustainable alternatives for festivals, weddings, corporate gifting and events.

Products that combine creativity, utility and environmental responsibility can help make sustainability part of everyday celebrations rather than a one-day initiative,” Ray says.

Good Vibes Only

Perhaps the most interesting thing about plantable crackers is the idea they leave behind.

A Diwali celebration need not end when the lights are switched off and the decorations come down.

It could continue in a balcony pot, a home garden or a little patch of green, growing quietly long after the festivities have passed.