Diwali is the festival closest to my heart. It embraces all religions and it not only illuminates houses but also lives. This year was no different with my entire city karnal getting adorned over the last weekend to glowing LEDs while candles played a minor role in some houses. A significant and traditional part of this festival is crackers. They have only evolved over the years and presently you’ll be spoilt for choice shopping for them. However some enlightened minds have planted the seed of a polemic whether these crackers should be banned or not. India is witnessing a sorry state. In this country celebrities run over pedestrians and walk free.
Ironically they run NGOs to assist the needy! A parallel can be drawn to politicians, bureaucrats and every member of the society. It is thus not surprising to find people squandering money all round the year but raising moral issues when it comes to bursting crackers. Some benevolent ones choose to abstain from them and do charity instead. What fails to pervade them is that these crackers are manufactured by dirt poor people who look forward to this festival all through the year for their livelihood. Why not do charity by purchasing their products?
Another matter of grave concern is environmental pollution. Despite laws being enforced sound pollution hasn’t been curbed and the state police remain a mute spectator. The air pollution too is on a mammoth scale. But for a state topping the charts on the air pollution barometer, another drop in the ocean shouldn’t matter much. Diwali is the festival of lights and crackers constitute its focal point. The onus is upon us to celebrate responsibly by staying within the decibel limit. Otherwise we can keep these debates aside for one day and indulge in the ultimate aesthetic and entertaining aspect of this festival – crackers!
The Essay on The commercialization of festivals has eroded their real significance
A festival is an occasion for rejoicing and celebration. It conjures up scenes of gaiety and merrymaking. It is an occasion for family rejoicing and community celebrations. Festivals break the monotony of life, bring peace and joy to the masses and above all promote social interaction and harmony. All nations have their religious and colorful festivals. Being a multi-religious, multilingual and ...
