Diwali is mainly enjoyed by children as they burst firecrackers. Children may not know the consequences of bursting firecrackers on the environment. But it is said that even the people who attained maturity are not able to understand the consequences and health hazards due to this festival.

Diwali is actually meant to illuminate the surroundings with rows of lights. But bursting firecrackers leaves bad impact air pollution, noise pollution etc. which thereby influences the health of people.

Some people argue that bursting firecrackers is associated with Diwali. But, initially, it was a festival of lights as the literal meaning is associated with lighting the lamps but not bursting crackers. The festival itself is synonymous to ‘festival of lights’ which eliminates the darkness with rows of lights.

Somehow the tradition of bursting firecrackers began to express their joy and cheer. This culture extended slowly to other occasions like a procession and other celebrations also. And eventually, a situation came where celebration means bursting firecrackers and without them, no celebration would be whole.

As a result, hazardous chemicals are being released into the air which damages not just humans but also animals, trees etc.

Some others might argue that it is our culture that festival celebrations include firecrackers and it should not be ignored. But, festivals are meant for happiness, not to disturb the health of others and damage the environment. Even though it may be our culture, we would have to rethink once again and protect the future generation from severe health ailments.

India is a country where the right to freedom is often misused. Every one has right to freedom here, but one’s freedom should not violate the rights of others or the freedom of others.

A small amount of common sense is enough to understand this.

A small village Sarai Jattan in Punjab decided not to burst firecrackers on Diwali and plant saplings for their future generations.

So, take a pledge to celebrate Diwali in an eco-friendly way and have a Happy Diwali.

Image by Piyush SAGAR from Pixabay (Free for commercial use)

Image Reference: https://pixabay.com/id/photos/diwali-lilin-menyalakan-lilin-3801821/