Goa, Oct. 29 -- Vithoba Phaldesai of Dessaiwada, Quepem, has been promoting environmentally friendly Diwali celebrations by making traditional Akash Kandils for the past seven years, encouraging people to move away from plastic decorations.

Phaldesai produces around 100 Akash Kandils every year, combining traditional craftsmanship with a commitment to sustainability. Besides creating new kandils, he also renovates and gives a fresh look to old ones brought to him by people from across Quepem, helping them reuse their festive decorations instead of discarding them.

Despite the rising cost of materials required to make the kandils, Phaldesai continues to offer them at affordable prices, making eco-friendly decorations accessible to more p...