From Karan Johar to Mandira Bedi, Bollywood stars urge fans to buy local for Diwali

Bollywood celebrities on Monday urged people to respond positively to the government’s appeal to promote Indian businesses during the festival of Diwali. (Photo used for illustrative purpose.)

Filmmaker 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. “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, its our time to let the lights shine on them.”

Sonali Bendre tweeted from her verified account: “This Diwali, let’s celebrate and support local products and brands!” She used the hashtag #Local4Diwali and tagged Union Cabinet Minister for Textiles Smriti Z Irani in her tweet.

Actress Mouni Roy wrote on Instagram: “I feel most like myself in indian outfits! I love em! On National Handloom Day, I am exhilarated to have bought some beautiful diyas from a local shop and shopped for a lovely ethnic wear designed by an extremely talented local designer and now it’s your turn to go #Local4Diwali.” Mouni also shared a photograph of her wearing a red lehenga.

Singer and BJP politician Babul Supriyo tweeted from his verified account to say: “PM Shri @narendramodi has given a clarion call to promote local products and be vocal for them. This Diwali, let’s support our craftsmen, artisans and local businesses and be the reason for their celebration. Buy local handmade products. #Local4Diwali.”

Actor Tusshar Kapoor had clothes made for his son using Indian cloth. “In support of our weavers, artisans, textile companies & textile establishments, let’s go #LocalforDiwali. Your support will help resurrect many opportunities for those in need. I got this kids kurta for my son made in Mulmul, a soft and fine weave of cotton,” he tweeted.

The ever youthful actress Mandira Bedi posted a picture of herself in a festive outfit to promote the cause. “It’s that time of the year.. when you #dressfordiwali ... and #local4diwali it must be. This #nationalhandloomday support our Weavers, our Artisans who are Artists in the truest sense of the word. This #diwali make their Diwali.. #happyfestiveseason” she wrote on Instagram.

Not only campaigning for local products, several actors also raised their voice urging people to make Diwali pollution free by avoiding the bursting of fire crackers. Riteish Deshmukh tweeted from his verified account: “Let’s celebrate a Cracker Free Diwali -- Diwali is Deepotsav.”

Sayani Gupta posted on Twitter: “This Diwali, instead of bursting a firecracker, use that 5, 20, 200, 2000 rupees, in buying a mithai or a dabba of sweets for someone who can’t afford to buy it, buy them two diyas so they also feel like it’s a special day. Do it. AndAnd see how You feel. #saynotofirecrackers #lightdiyas.”