Youngsters campaign for an eco-friendly Diwali through various kinds of art on Mahatma Gandhi Road in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 1: Diwali, the festival of lights, is also an occasion that causes sound and air pollution.

At a time when the festival is just around the corner, several youngsters spent yesterday asking people to celebrate a noise and pollution-free Diwali.

A bunch of youngsters drew rangoli on Lower PMG Road in the city to spread awareness about a noise and pollution-free Diwali.

They distributed pamphlets requesting people to celebrate the festival in that way. They also asked the onlookers and passersby to take part in a signature campaign in support of their idea.

The volunteers also drew a 25-foot painting highlighting the sound and air pollution that is caused during Diwali, creating severe inconvenience to patients and animals. The demonstration ended by lighting candles and diyas in remembrance of those who lost their life and property in cyclone Phailin.

“We are asking people to donate some money to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund instead of spending them on crackers,” said Tarini Prasad Sahoo, a volunteer.