JOIN USThe king of Indian festivals is here. The mere mention of Diwali brings cheer to our minds.
The view of luminous diyas glimmering in the dark, the scent of new clothes, the appetising aroma of a feast cooking in the kitchen and the excited chatter and laughter of guests at home set the mood for the festive fervor. And what is Diwali without the cacophony of fireworks and the thick smoke that blends into the air we breathe, throwing those vulnerable into a fit of coughs?
Festivities apart, the Diwali season brings along the eco-friendly brigade that encourages people to ‘go green’ and stop bursting firecrackers. Countless people, old and young, have given up the practice to preserve the environment and protect animals and the elderly from the noise pollution. There are less harmful ways to celebrate the festival, they say, while others defend the tradition.
Why fireworks?
The bursting of fireworks is supposed to signify the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. Among the many legends that surround the festival is that of Lord Krishna vanquishing the demon Narakasura on this day. The demon, it is said, asked for his death anniversary to be celebrated with the distribution of sweets and the lighting of firecrackers.
Diwali also heralds the onset of winter. “During this time, disease-carrying mosquitoes are rampant. In the olden days, bursting firecrackers was one way to get rid of pests and insects. When most of us are fast forgetting our culture and tradition, why try to wipe out the remaining traces of age-old practices? If we don’t keep up our traditions, then who will?” asks Prasad N, a retired banker.
“If we are worried about Diwali being a one-day pollution fest, what about the incessant pollution caused by industries and automobiles? Rockets that shoot into the sky to explode into a visual spectacle are fantastic. Why deny people such simple pleasures?” asks Sanjeev Tadur, a student.
As Walter E Williams, puts it, “How does something immoral, when done privately, become moral when done collectively? Furthermore, does legality establish morality? Slavery was legal; apartheid was legal; Stalinist, Nazi, and Maoist purges were legal. The fact of legality does not justify these crimes. Legality, alone, cannot be talisman of moral people.” Diwali is known more as the festival of lights than the festival of fireworks. We are aware that lighting lamps is the cornerstone of Diwali, which symbolises triumph over darkness or good over evil.
Environmentalists and ecologists firmly believe that commercial greed has fuelled the trade of fireworks distorting all sense of sacred symbolism. “Our environment is not the same as it was a hundred years ago and we are sitting on nature’s ticking time bomb. It’s like inflicting more injury to one’s already-bleeding arm,” opines Vijay Edamana, a business executive.
Every breath toxic
As per research, the air pollution level is at its worst during the five days of Diwali. The quality of air takes a nosedive owing to toxic fumes from fireworks. As per the National Air Quality Index, the air pollution in and around cities like Delhi is six times the safe limit during and after Diwali. The smog continues to persist for more than 10-12 days after the festival. Breathing in such an atmosphere is dangerous for those suffering from pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, and even normal healthy people.
Doctors say that patients queue up outside clinics, complaining of blood pressure, respiratory problems or cardiac arrests, during the festive period. The inflammable chemicals and synthetic colours used in the firecrackers cause eye irritation, wheezing, skin problems, nausea and irritation in the respiratory tract. “Diwali is a dreadful time for our family. My son and dad who are asthmatic suffer a lot of wheezing and cough during these days. The little one had to be admitted to the hospital last year, as he was unable to breathe. He spent nearly a week recuperating in the ward,” shares Vijay.
The deafening boom
Most fireworks manufactured in India produce noise that exceeds the permissible limit. A sound becomes painful when it crosses 120 decibels, causing damage in children, animals, and seniors. Most firecrackers produce sound that crosses 145 decibels, which is louder than a military aircraft takeoff that touches 130 decibels! “In our country that is already reeling under the problems caused by industrialisation, firecrackers add to the nuisance. In the interest of the people, it will be good if we can celebrate without fireworks at all,” says Amrita P, a homemaker.
Sudden explosive sounds cause distress to the human body and leave a greater psychological impact, which could spike the blood pressure and bring about sleep disturbances, and mood swings. “I used to love bursting crackers for the sound. But once I saw the fright in my pet’s eyes and the trauma he goes through every time an explosion goes off, I decided to stop. It has been more than eight years since I lit a firecracker, and Diwali is a lot safer and better without the din,” says Smriti G, a student.
Your fun is their misery
Furthermore, factories in Sivakasi, the fireworks capital of India, engage young children in the manufacturing process in the name of employment. Several large-scale fires have claimed countless lives, blotting the town’s reputation, as the factories have no safety norms in place. Children work day and night in inhuman conditions, without wearing gloves or masks. The constant exposure to dangerous explosives and toxic chemicals make the labourers prone to severe ailments and even cause premature death.
Consumerism has ruined the true spirit of the festivities. We feel left out if we aren’t part of the trend. Can we spare a thought to those who burn to bring joy to us? Boycotting firecrackers will bring down sales and put such factories out of business. This in turn will push the labourers to find other means to sustain their livelihood. “For a few seconds of thrill and pleasure, aren’t we ruining the environment as well as the lives of people who are forced to make firecrackers for a living?” asks Vijay.
Start this year
Diwali brings cheer to one and all and is one of the most awaited festivals of the year. Instead of splurging on firecrackers, how about celebrating the festival in ways that don’t involve pollution? True, environmental degradation due to urbanisation and industrialisation has reached its peak. People and businesses around the world are taking steps to be eco-friendly, and they would like us to do our part to preserve our planet. Instead of waiting for others to clean up their act, vow to start charity at home. As Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Spread love and have a clean and happy Diwali!
How else you can celebrate
Be someone’s reason to smile. Double your happiness by sharing sweets and food with those less fortunate.
Take part in cultural shows and competitions. Nothing happening in your neighbourhood? Why not start some?
Gift family and friends herbal products, handmade soap, flower seeds, etc.
Through healthy debate, convince someone you know to go green this Diwali.
Create a bonfire in your terrace or garden with family, friends in the evening.