Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi made a fervent appeal to people to promote ‘local for Diwali’ big time and buy local products this festival season, saying it will give a new boost to the economy. While extending festival greetings to people, Modi said, “You are seeing today that along with vocal for local, the mantra of local for Diwali is resonating everywhere.”
“I would like to say to the people of Varanasi and all countrymen that promote ‘local for Diwali’ big time,” he said while inaugurating projects for Varanasi via video conferencing. When every person will buy local products with pride, will talk about local products, hail them and will take the message to others that our local products are so good, this message will go far, Modi said. “Not only local identity will be strengthened, the people who make these local products, their Diwali will also brighten up more,” he said.
“Going for local doesn’t mean only purchasing ‘diya’ but everything you use in Diwali. It will encourage those making them,” the prime minister said and added in a lighter vein that by going local he doesn’t mean “throwing things you have bought already in the River Ganga”.
A wide range of decorative articles like clay diyas, metallic candle stands, hanging candle stands, lamps, wall hangings, artificial flowers, designer planters etc. are available in the market to decorate homes this Diwali. All these articles are made in India, say shopkeepers. They say that Chinese items have disappeared from the market.
Many Bollywood celebrities came out in support of the government’s appeal to ‘go local for Diwali’ and took to their social media requesting everyone to do the same.
Karan Johar tweeted, “We came together to honour our weavers on National Handloom Day and with your support it has ensured successful sales for many in need. On the 9th of November, we are making a kind appeal for you to support our weavers, artisans, textile companies and establishments. Together, they bring the joy of a simple earthen diya, rangoli and other embellishments to your local market.”
The filmmaker added, “This Diwali, we urge you to join hands and show some festive support on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Take a picture of your favourite article and tag the person you purchase it from and go #Local4Diwali. Let the trend begin on 9th November! Homegrown and made with love, it’s our time to let the lights shine on them.”
Mouni Roy tweeted, “I feel most like myself in Indian outfits. Love em On National Handloom Day, I am exhilarated to have bought some beautiful diyas from a local shop and shopped for lovely ethnic wear designed by an extremely talented local designer. Going #Local4Diwali”
