In a dazzling display of culture and community, the festival of lights, Diwali, illuminated the hearts and homes of people across the globe. As the world bathed in the warm glow of diyas and the mesmerizing twinkle of fairy lights, Diwali became more than a celebration—it became a radiant tapestry of traditions, togetherness, and triumph. It is celebrated as a symbol of hope and light , as it emphasizes victory over evil and acceptance of good deeds. The celebration is religious as per Hindu traditions but is also considered as the nation’s festival through various aspects , not only the people of India but the people of Indian Diaspora also celebrates it with great enthusiasm and happiness. Why It Is Celebrated
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated for its symbolic significance in Hindu culture. It marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The name “Diwali” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” meaning a row of lights. The festival is associated with the return of Lord Rama from exile, signifying the triumph of righteousness. Diwali is associated with various religious narratives. In Hinduism, it commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, from exile after defeating the demon king Ravana. It also marks the day when Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. For Sikhs, Diwali is linked to the release of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, from imprisonment. Lights, Camera, Diwali!
The streets are transformed into kaleidoscopic wonders as families adorned their homes with intricate rangoli designs, bursting with vibrant colors and symbolism. The air echoed with joyous laughter and the crackling sounds of firecrackers, blending the old with the new in a harmonious symphony of celebration. This festive is the symbol of happiness and light , is a time for family, friends, and neighbors to come together, and this year was no exception. Communities organized cultural events, showcasing traditional dances, music, and art that spanned generations. The festival served as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and shared values in an ever-changing world.Its an interfaith harmony as different communities together celebrate it.
No-Cracker Diwali Bursting Fire crackers is well known celebration of Diwali , but in a progressive shift towards environmental responsibility, this Diwali marks a celebration that resonates beyond traditional festivities – a resounding call for a cracker-free Diwali. Communities are coming together to advocate for an eco-friendly approach to the Festival of Lights, recognizing the detrimental impact that firecrackers have . Effect of Crackers on Pets , Other Animals and Birds
The loud sound created by crackers create a fear in animals. The noises of crackers create panic inside the pets and it can even lead to their heart failure. In an discussion Kaveri Rana Bhardwaj, an animal rights activist, rescuer and founder of SMART sanctuary said that , “The loud noise sends the pets, especially dogs and cats, into a panic. Many cases of seizures are reported during and around Diwali when firecrackers are used. The blasting noise makes them feel like they are under attack, and in some cases, their hearts stop beating due to shock, leading to the untimely death of pets. Apart from this, there are cases of pets and even strays running away from firecrackers and getting run over by vehicles . The spike in pollution also leads to many complications among pets. We have witnessed a number of cases of bronchitis, asthma, and lung-related diseases that take a really long time to be cured.” Birds have low sense of visibility at night , the sudden light and sound from crackers make them fly aimlessly and they might get into accidents . Predatory birds like Eagle , Vultures have great sense of hearing , they assume the noise form crackers as threat and dislocate from their nest. The after remains of the crackers left are toxic and poisonous , they can get mixed in water bodies or can be fed by some animals which can destroy their habitat or even kill them. The best way for Pet friendly Diwali is to keep your pets safe in your home with you , use effective measures like earplugs to stop unusual noises to reach their ears or create a save place for them in your house away from crackers. We can also make an attempt to stop lighting crackers where there are stray or any other animals staying around to save them. Impact on Human Health
The fireworks and crackers are mixtures of certain chemicals and substances to produce light , smoke and sound. The burning of these fireworks and crackers releases large amount of gases like sulphur dioxide , carbon monoxide , nitrogen oxide etc which mixes in air and causes air pollution. This is a great threat to the people suffering from respiratory diseases. Inhaling these gases leads to a burning sensation in lungs and throat , create short term breathing issues and much more . The carbon monoxide can lead to nausea and dizziness and confusion in a person. People suffering from psychological problems like Post Traumatic Stress Disorders or Sleeping Disorders may get a feeling of stress and disrupt. People suffering form panic attacks can have a phase of fear and anxiety which can trigger or disbalance their mental health.
A risk to Children’s Life
Diwali is the most exciting festive for children especially , the excitement of buying and bursting crackers , even competing with friends , neighbours . But as it is said that a slip of moment can result into accidents , a little negligence from parents or the adult ones can lead the dangerous situations for child. Children in the heat of moment , in their little play or exploring new ways to burst firecrackers get into major accidents , like explosion of firecracker in hands , the unknown bursting of crackers results in injuries and burns , the eye injuries etc.There are even reports of fire accident due to firecrackers. The Government Guidelines
Due to the concerns of rising air pollution in country , from last few years authorities or state governments released few guidelines as instructions towards what type of crackers should be used or when . Like in Punjab the time allotted for the fire crackers is from 8pm to 10 pm that to green fire crackers , in New Delhi the government banned firecrackers till January 1 , 2024 due to concerns of air pollution . In Jammu and Kashmir the crackers are banned within 5 kilometres of the international borders and Line of Control. In Madhya Pradesh’s capital Bhopal The State Pollution Control has taken various steps to spread awareness towards minimum use of crackers .Installation of dust samplers to measure air quality , permission to only low decibel crackers , guidelines for timings from 8 pm to 10 pm , these measures are been taken. Even Supreme Court on Tuesday , November 7 , states that the ban on barium and other chemicals will not only be followed by National Capital Region but also in whole country , the states will be taking all measures to reduce noise and air pollution not only on festival but also afterwards. A Message This year lets take a step towards No-cracker Diwali , celebrating this festival with no bursting of crackers and fireworks but maintain an eco-friendly approach. Lighting nature friendly diyas , making rangoli with natural colour or flowers , exchanging green gifts like potted plants , organic products etc. Instead of firecrackers we can use balloon crackers which can easily be DIYed at home and can be made by different different creativities. Eco-friendly seed crackers which are made with plant seed inside it , if it bursts then the seeds also get scattered . Glow sticks can be used which gives beautifull sparkling effect , and is environment friendly and non-toxic. Sky lanterns are beautiful sky decoration on Diwali night, these can be used to light up the night sky. And by spreading the awareness about dangerousness of use of firecrackers and its effects and sharing the eco-friendly methods with friends and family lets make a promise within ourselves to celebrate the better and safe diwali .
Sharing the Celebrations : While sharing with True To Life Ms Rishika Sharma , Age 21 , a student at MLB college , Bhopal (MP) said that “ I am a college student , and live in hostel near my college in Bhopal . Due to upcoming exams didn’t get time to celebrate with my parents , but here its new experience and first time celebrating with my friends. I am invited at my best friend’s home for the pooja ( worshipping of God and Goddesses ) and am going to celebrate there.” A retired bank clerk Mr. Jagmohan Dubey , Bhopal (M.P) said that he is 50 years old and didn’t like the sound of crackers since he was child and even taught his sons and grandchildren to celebrate cracker free Diwali. Apart from celebration on Diwali , Dubey family celebrate the next day of Diwali as “ Dipawali Milan Samaroh” an event , where all the relatives arrive and exchange gifts and sweets. Aditya Tripathi , Age 42 , a clothes shop owner in Indore (M.P) told us that the Diwali is the peak festival of income at their home where their belief in worship of Goddess Lakshmi is very prominent. True to Life wishes you Happy and Safe Diwali
Article by :
Rishika Dubey from Bhopal for True to Life