 Diwali: The Cracker Connection |
Ask anyone about the origin of Diwali, the festival of lights and you are sure to get several answers. But ask around how did the tradition of bursting crackers on Diwali come about and you are likely to draw a blank. Most of us cannot imagine Diwali without the glow of fireworks lighting up the dark night sky.
Ever wondered how the tradition started?
It's believed that the Diwali illuminations are a way of paying homage to the heavens for the health, wealth, knowledge and prosperity bestowed on us mortals. It also signifies the resounding welcome given to Lord Rama by the residents of Ayodhya. On a more scientific note, it's believed that the fumes produced by the crackers kill insects and mosquitoes, found in plenty after the rains!
The dark side of crackers
Unfortunately, noxious fumes from crackers can have a deadly effect on more than just insects. Studies have shown that even golden oldies like sparklers (phuljhari) and anars have highly toxic metals. Then of course, there's the noise pollution part of it. The high decibel levels of noise during Diwali can lead to hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart attack and sleep disturbances.
Agreed bursting crackers is fun but what's the point if you ruin your health in the process and create enough pollution to make everyone around choke on their chikkis?
Get Eco-Savvy
This is where the concept of an eco-friendly, noiseless and if possible, smokeless Diwali comes in. In fact, thanks to the anti-pollution drive in city schools, most kids are aware of it anyway and many actually say NO to crackers!
Here's how to do your bit for a pollution-free Diwali:
- Diwali is the festival of lights, not the festival of noise. Unless you belong to the Dinosaur age, you are aware of this. Why not live up to the name and do up your home with lovely earthen diyas strewn all around?
- How about a beautiful rangoli at the entrance of your home? If you're extremely busy there are Rangoli stickers available in the market but there's nothing better than adding some colour with your own hands. Do it and let the compliments flow!
- Absolutely can't imagine Diwali festivities without bursting a single cracker? Since crackers create a lot of waste as well as pollution, one good idea to reduce it is to have a community fireworks show in your colony or housing estate, instead of everyone going for it individually.
- Another great and fast catching option is noiseless crackers. With children and parents becoming eco-friendly, there's a high demand for colourful fireworks which can emit several types of colours without the ear splitting boom.
- There's quite a range available in soundless crackers, from ground crackers like the 'Chakras' or 'spinning wheels' to rockets that dart towards the sky and explode noiselessly into hundreds of brightly coloured stars. Isn't that a delightful sight for the eyes without disturbing anybody? Similarly smokeless crackers are also available in the market.
All you need to do is ask around a bit. You'll not only do the environment a favour, you'll avoid a lot of litter (all that cracker waste) around your home too!
Sounds like a real patakha? Go ahead and have a real dhamaka this Diwali. Light up every bit of your home and life. Without shattering any ear-drums.
Text by Reshmi Chakraborty
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