There might be no rockets lighting up the night sky and no flower pots to add a dazzle to the street post-sundown this Diwali, in adherence to the high court order banning fireworks to prevent the air quality from deteriorating further and aggravating conditions of Covid-19 patients. But the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (Hidco) has come up with an event that promises to add both colour and light to an occasion which has been robbed of much of its sheen by the raging pandemic.

With twin messages to save the environment and to shun crackers, Hidco has announced a diya festival and a rangoli competition, in association with local social welfare organisation New Town Forum & News.

“We want to spread the message that there can be fun without bursting crackers,” said Hidco chairman Debashis Sen.

At 4pm, teams of four will take the field at Mangaldeep Island. “There will be 15 spots surrounding the installation. The first 15 teams to register will compete. We will provide colours for the rangoli,” Sen said.

From 5pm, everyone present will be asked to light earthen lamps. “The area has been decorated. Close to 1,000 lamps are being purchased. We will have drones taking photographs,” said Sen. The lighting will stay for three days through the festive weekend.

A dandiya dance will be put up by residents while the lamps will be lit.

On Saturday, gate no. 2 of Eco Park, Misti Hub and Taj Mahal in the Seven Wonders of the World corner of Eco Park will be lit up at 5pm. In the evening, Swapno Bhor, the senior citizens’ park, will host a community lamp-lighting ceremony. “We had a green fireworks show there last year. But there will be no fireworks this time. A musical performance has been arranged as well,” Sen summed up.