The Better India

Here’s a ‘magic lamp’ that burns for 24 hours straight — a brilliant creation by Ashok Chakradhari from Kondagaon, Chhattisgarh. “I am always on the lookout for new ideas that can challenge my pottery skills, and be a useful innovation for those around me. In 2019, before Diwali, I was looking for a new design to sculpt diyas. That is when I stumbled upon a lamp that carries a reservoir of oil over it and keeps refilling the base to ensure the diya does not stop burning. I found it interesting and decided to make that,” Ashok says. A traditional potter, Ashok came across the idea on YouTube and perfected the design through trial and error. Today, his dedication has earned him thousands of orders from across India! #Diwali #Artisan #Innovation #MagicLamp #AshokChakradhari #Chhattisgarh [Diwali, Diya, Innovation, Magic Lamp, Chattisgarh, Traditional Indian Festivals]

What began as an age-old way of decorating homes in Kutch is now finding a place in Diwali celebrations across India. Behind these intricate creations is a team of 70–80 skilled artisans who specialise in traditional Kutchi Bhungas and Lippan Art, a craft that brings mud, mirrors and colours together to create stunning patterns. Traditionally practised by women in Kutch, Lippan Art was used to decorate the mud walls of homes. Today, this beautiful craft is adding character to resorts, farmhouses, offices and festive spaces across the country. For 15 years, the team has completed over 100 projects, keeping the same skilled artisans at the heart of its work. Their aim goes beyond creating beautiful spaces. It is about preserving the craftsmanship of Kutch and ensuring that this traditional art continues to find new homes and admirers for generations. Let’s make traditional Indian art part of our celebrations, not just our memories. #LippanArt #KutchArt #IndianTraditionalArt #IndianHandicrafts [Traditional Lippan Art of Kutch, Kutchi mud and mirror work wall art, Traditional Indian art and handicrafts, Kutch artisans preserving traditional crafts]]

What if the metal we throw away could become a work of art? Indore-based artist Deval Verma gave discarded brass, stainless steel, automotive parts and industrial scrap a remarkable second life by transforming them into an 8-foot sculpture of Lord Hanuman. Named Pawanputra Hanuman, this creation took nearly a year and approximately 4,000 hours of meticulous craftsmanship to complete. Every piece of metal was carefully repurposed to bring the sculpture’s details, strength and expression to life. For Deval, this is more than an artistic creation. It is an expression of his devotion to Hanuman, whose immense strength and extraordinary humility continue to inspire him. Having created hundreds of sculptures from discarded materials, Deval is showing how what we consider waste can hold the potential for something extraordinary. This Diwali, his work reminds us that devotion can take many forms, and sometimes, even discarded metal can be transformed into something truly meaningful. #DevalVerma #ScrapMetalArt #WasteToArt #IndianArtists #Diwali2026 [Deval Verma scrap metal art, Indore artist turning waste into art, Sustainable Indian metal art, Upcycled metal sculptures in India]

A 20-foot canvas, vibrant colours, and stories from Indian mythology brought to life! Created by Pune-based Rangoli artist Bhagyashree Deshpande and her team over just two days, this stunning 3D artwork, titled The Chariots of Time, celebrates three iconic mythological vahanas: Airavata, Lord Indra’s divine elephant, Goddess Saraswati’s swan and Lord Kartikeya’s peacock. But Bhagyashree is taking this beautiful tradition far beyond the canvas. A two-time world record-holding artist, she has showcased her work across India and represented the country in the USA, London and South Korea. Through every intricate detail and splash of colour, she is keeping a centuries-old Indian art form alive while introducing it to the world. This Diwali, here's to the traditions that deserve to live on, one beautiful creation at a time. 📷 #RangoliArt #IndianArt #IndianCulture #DiwaliCelebration #SMEdit [20 foot 3D rangoli artwork India, Bhagyashree Deshpande Pune rangoli artist, Indian mythology inspired rangoli designs, traditional Indian rangoli art preservation, world record holding rangoli artist]

Learning to read and write should open doors, not depend on who is available to teach you. Annie, developed by Thinkerbell Labs, helps visually impaired students learn to read, write and type in Braille independently. Co-founded by Sanskriti Dawle and Saif Shaikh, the innovation is helping more than 11,000 students across over 490 learning centres. A special thank you to the Helen Keller Institute for Deaf & Deafblind for going above and beyond for its students and helping them learn, grow and become more independent. This Diwali, HP celebrates the Lights of Change across India. Visit hpcreatorsgarage.com to explore more Lights of Change and share an innovation that inspires you. In collaboration with @HPIndia #HPLightsOfChange #HPDiwali #HappyDiwali #HP #Annie

What if fallen leaves could fuel a kitchen feeding 1,200 students? :🔥 At IIT Bombay, nearly 2 tonnes of garden waste daily are being turned into fuel pellets by startup Infixen. These pellets help power Hostel 16’s kitchen, cutting LPG consumption by 60%! Waste that once cost nearly ₹50 lakh annually to transport is now helping cook sustainable meals. From garden waste to green energy — innovation at its best! 🌱 📹 Watch the full story: youtube.com/watch?v=_2cx4aNI… #IITBombay #WasteToEnergy #SustainableInnovation #CircularEconomy #GreenCampus [IIT Bombay converts garden waste into cooking fuel to feed 1200 students and reduce LPG consumption by 60%]

Sometimes, even the smallest acts of kindness light up our lives the brightest! As heartwarmingly shared by @surbhiskjain on her X handle, here’s a gentle reminder to bring warmth into each day — a friendly smile, a heartfelt wish and — it all goes a long way. This Diwali, let’s spread kindness and multiply the festive cheer. Credits : Surbhi Jain (@surbhiskjain) on X #FestiveVibes #Diwali2024 #indianfestival #actsofkindess [Diwali, Indian Festival Vibes, Diwali Kindess, Diwali Preparation]

A handmade diya can light up a home for just ₹2. But for this elderly couple, every diya sold means a little more money to take home. Despite their age and health struggles, the couple spends their days sitting by the roadside, selling earthen diyas to make ends meet. The elderly man has lost the use of one hand, and half his body is paralysed. Yet, neither of them is ready to give up. They take up odd jobs and sell diyas during Diwali to earn an honest living. What makes their struggle harder is that even these little diyas are often met with bargaining. A few rupees saved by a customer could mean a little less earned by someone who needs every sale. This Diwali, let’s #LightUpAPottersHome by choosing to pay them fairly instead of bargaining over a couple of rupees. If you’re buying diyas, consider ordering directly from the couple and help make their festive season a little brighter. To place an order, contact: 9189254585 Please Note : The contact number shared belongs directly to the artist. The Better India is only featuring their work and is not involved in order placement, payments, shipping, or delivery. #Diwali2026 #SupportLocalArtisans #VocalForLocal #HandmadeDiya [Supporting Elderly Street Vendors, Buy Handmade clay Diyas, Support Small Diya Sellers During Diwali, Heartwarming Diwali Stories]

What can school students do with technology and a problem worth solving? At vivo Ignite 2026, students developed ideas to address challenges ranging from groundwater depletion and water pollution to cybersecurity and advanced STEM applications. With expert mentorship, prototype development and a national platform to showcase their work, the initiative is helping young innovators take their ideas further. In partnership with @Vivo_India

When a city floods, knowing where the risk lies can change how it responds. AIResQ, co-founded by Dr. Udit Bhatia, uses AI-powered flood forecasting to help cities identify risks and plan their response. Through city-level intelligence and rapid simulations, it helps urban authorities predict and prepare for floods. An idea that puts better information in the hands of those protecting our cities. This Diwali, HP celebrates the Lights of Change across India. Visit hpcreatorsgarage.com to explore more stories and share an innovation that inspires you. In collaboration with @HPIndia #HPLightsOfChange #HPDiwali #HappyDiwali #HP #iitgandhinagar