Diwali and Firecrackers

 

Diwali Blog

Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is a festival known to many people. Originally, the story follows the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya with his wife Sita, and younger brother Lakshman, after killing the Demon King, Ravana in Lanka, where the people of Ayodhya line the streets and their homes with oil wicks in clay lamps to welcome them. It symbolizes the spiritual "Victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".

A modern twist to this is accompanying it with something more luminously effective. Over time, bursting firecrackers assumed religious significance, and got tagged along with many celebrations, including Diwali; so much so that it is entitled to be protected as a core and essential religious practice under Article 25 of the Constitution as a fundamental right. However, a small issue with this is that it violates many other basic constitutional rights like the right to live in a quiet and clean environment, guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution. Not to mention the noise pollution caused, and the adverse effects it has on the atmosphere.

Most of us know and have experienced the essence of the air the days after long Diwali nights. The cities that continue the ignorant use of firecrackers have to suffer the suffocating effects. Smog greatly affects our lungs and can cause lung cancer, or even early deaths. We rarely think about breathing except when we have trouble doing so and that’s why every October is Healthy Lung Month. Celebrating something is always wonderful, but one should always keep in mind its consequences in the long run. So, on the occasion of this auspicious festival falling near Healthy Lung Month, take some time and think about it. What’s better: a week of fun nights, or the years of gut-wrenching health issues to follow?

                                   (By Kaushiki Roy, Editorial Department, Adolescence Development Club)