Will firecrackers prevent a cracker of a Diwali?

Family, friends, lights, colors, flavors, prayers, traditions, emotions, celebrations… our festivals are a way of affirming what truly matters to us. Being grateful for the blessings we have, wishing for the fulfillment of our remaining desires. Giving and receiving gifts and, yes of course, shopping. India really knows how to party and that’s reflected in its abundance of festivals – but Diwali, celebrated across the length and breadth of the country, albeit in different fashions, is special. This year it might prove even more so if a nationwide effort to break its polluting spree is successful.

Against the backdrop of the health emergency triggered by polluting firecrackers year after year on Diwali, the Supreme Court has told state governments to restrict these to only two hours on festival days. From Delhi to Chennai, Kolkata to Mumbai, authorities have made some preparations to enforce this restriction. But the critical factor for a cleaner Diwali is mass participation. Without this, the festival of lights will once again translate into smog – and increased vulnerability to respiratory disorders, heart diseases and so on. Lest we forget, rural India is not spared the toxic air menace either. So this time, don’t let Diwali be hijacked by the darkness of firecrackers.

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