Hey guys! I hope you all had a bustling Diwali this year too like all the past years. But there was a change this time. Our respected Supreme Court placed a ban on the sale of crackers in Delhi and NCR just a few weeks before the occasion.

This post was written in 2017. But the context remains the same even in 2020!

Because this year too The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a total ban on the sale or use of all kinds of firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR) till November 30 midnight.

What? OMG, how could they do this?

I know, many of the Delhites were in shock by this decision. Because for them Diwali without crackers is no Diwali. There is no fun in celebrating the festival without the Boom Bam sound effects in the background. But I know many other people who were in support of the ban. And were very clear on how the ban will show them the clean morning the next day without any smog. And they will breathe in the freshest air.

Well, if you didn’t get the sarcasm here, let me tell you, neither of the two categories of Delhites was correct in their expectations.

Diwali can be celebrated without bursting crackers and that doesn’t mean you will get to breathe the purest air the very next day. Dumping crackers will not take us away from our tradition neither it will save the environment in a single day.

Everyone had something to say about this Diwali, it was different and it played with the emotions too. I am no different as I too belong to one of these categories. I am already in the mid-years of my life, have a pet dog and a small baby that’s why being in the ‘Say No to crackers’ category suited me the most. Yes, you read it right! I think our decisions are governed by some factors which we consider important.

I remember my childhood where Diwali meant bursting different types of fire-crackers and jumping in delight while my parents standing beside me felt proud that their daughter was following the tradition. Now it’s been around 8 years since I stopped burning crackers, for me the meaning of the Diwali celebration has changed over time. This is a festival that brings families & friends together, there is fun, laughter, colorful lights, delicious food, and lots of sweets but no crackers to burn.

So how the above-mentioned factors changed my view towards the Diwali celebration in the current context? Read on…

1. Age

Age brings wisdom for many. It did bring for me at least. Being a science graduate, I had many instances of reading and debating about pollution, which according to a Google definition is, ‘Introduction of a substance into the environment which has harmful or poisonous effects’. Basically, the contamination of our environment by any means is Pollution. Our environment is changing with the rise in the pollution levels every year and the ill effects it brings with it are countless. I know burning crackers on Diwali can’t be termed as the major pollution contributor but it did add to the already higher levels. I have a wish and that is to get my free breathable air for as long as I live. We are already paying to get our pure drinking water and the time is not far when we will be churning out money to get our daily requirement of breathable air too. Can we stop somewhere? Yes, I stopped. All set to take more such steps in the future too for improving our environment.

Do you know this year saw a change in Air Quality after Diwali? The analysis revealed by Central Pollution Control Board shows an improvement in quality of air as compared to last 3 years. But as Delhites are known for their ‘Jugaad’ despite the ban they still managed to arrange crackers and the air quality still remained ‘Very Poor’ on the scale.

2. Animals

I am an Animal Lover. Since my childhood, my parents had been telling me to be compassionate towards the speechless innocent beings and be considerate towards their needs too. I have had many pets since I was a small kid and know how similar they are to human beings in their requirements to live a healthy happy peaceful life. Our few hours of fun can harm many animals and birds even indirectly. Do you know, many animals have a sensitive auditory system and the loud noise from bursting crackers can cause them lasting hearing problems. The high levels of particulate matter can result in respiratory problems, not only this the whole change in the surrounding environment makes them suffer from shock and trauma. But they can’t tell or complain! They don’t have a voice to raise slogans.

We have a 2.5 year old labrador, Caesar and this was his 3rd Diwali. He usually gets restless hearing all the loud sounds and start rejecting food for 3-4 days. We have to stay around him to make him feel safe. Unfortunately, we still can’t assure him a festival which he can also enjoy. I really pity those stray animals who are not lucky enough to have a caring family with them. 

3. Kids

I am a Mother. This Diwali my son completed 21 months of his life. He was so curious to see all the glittering lights & colors around but at the same time was getting frustrated and confused with all the boom bam sounds coming from all the directions which his little mind was not able to comprehend properly. An article in Hindustan Times mentioned the study conducted last month by Central Pollution Control Board. The study analyzed various firecrackers for their chemical composition and health impact. The study revealed that the chemicals released from firecrackers can cause developmental disorders in unborn babies and children. You can read the complete report >> Here <<

I have a right on clean air for my kid and for my family as much as anyone else who has right to breathe and live. There are things which are not in our control on individual level. But if actions taken by Government are respected and adhered to can bring in the much needed change someday. Can’t we stop bursting firecrackers if that can bring us a step closer to a cleaner greaner environment for our kids? Yes We Can! Not a big deal.

These were the factors that led me to celebrate this Diwali without bursting crackers. And I am really happy that I am teaching my son the real value these festivals carry. Also, I felt proud knowing that there was a decline in pollution level as compared to the last 3 years. Our family was amongst those who pledged and said No to crackers this Diwali.

This was the small step towards a bigger change.

Our Diwali was full of family fun, food, lights, happiness, and chirpy laughter. What was your Diwali like? Did you burn the crackers or like us said no to them? What are the factors which made you take that decision? Share with me in the comments below.

Thanks for reading!

The post This Diwali I said No to Crackers – But Why? appeared first on Growing With Nemit.