Wow, I logged into twitter and couldn’t help being a part of this debate which was sadly leading in all bizarre directions! Lights…check, sweets…check…but why no crackers??? Some went in favor while the others had a lot of rage on this matter. I was wondering if latter were the same people who otherwise have an air purifier in their rooms and complain about the increasing pollution/smog etc. The debates were as intense so as to involve other religions, other festivals, and some of them even asked for a ban on other things which as per me were totally unrelated to the issue of pollution or crackers. This sounded so much like inhibiting one good to happen because of some other unrelated problems.
Why should bursting crackers be the only way to celebrate Diwali? This festival surely offers us a lot more; from a variety of lights that you can put up to decorate your place to meeting people, socializing, preparing sweets, dressing up your best, shopping till your money lasts and a lot more. Can we not sacrifice on crackers for at least one year and give our environment some time to heal? Why do we get so stubborn for anything that’s banned for our own good, specifically when we have so much more to do? And if Diwali is all about noise then I am sure that there are many other ways to get that noise; from bursting balloons to playing some loud music etc you can do a lot more, which surely won’t have effects that will linger on for years, yes it may annoy your neighbor for a day but you can apologize for it the next day. Let us just stop fighting over anything and everything, let us celebrate togetherness and positivity. More than anything else any festival is supposed to be a happy time, where we break our routine and indulge in some good time! Smile and spread some smiles…Happy Cracker free Diwali! (p.s: I have put up some pictures of my place from last year, I do have some nice ideas to light up my house very differently this year as well! You too put on your thinking caps for something unique and brighten up your house well J)
Very nicely written Vandita ma'am. Yes, Diwali is a festival of lights, not a festival of air and sound pollution. We should start imbibing this attitude in the coming generation. This change can be brought only when parents understand and change the way they celebrate festival. Let's join hands to protect nature, yet enjoy the festival by lighting lamps, spending quality time with family. Don't have a blast, have laughter and lights and enjoy the beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteYes exactly Deepika! Thanks for reading and m glad we think similar :)
Delete