Diwali or Deepawali, also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, and is the fifteenth day of the Hindu month called Ashwin. It is one of the more popular festivals in India and firecrackers are typically a major part of the celebrations.
The name symbolizes a row of beautiful clay lamps which are typically lit at the entrance of homes. These lamps indicate the inner light which offers protection against spiritual darkness. In ancient Indian culture, the lighting of diyas or lamps on Diwali was a way of driving away the darkness which surrounds the glorious light of knowledge. India was known to be an agricultural society and its people would worship Lakshmi, the Goddess of
Why Say No to Firecrackers?
One of the key concerns surrounding the use of firecrackers is environmental pollution. Reports from recent years suggest that the pollution levels around Diwali go up by nearly 30 percent. On Diwali last year, the air pollution levels in the capital city, New Delhi, were nearly 8 times more than what is deemed acceptable by the country and about 20 times more than what is recommended by the WHO. And this kind of pollution happens each year with businesses and offices shutting down to celebrate the biggest festival of the country and gathering to set off vibrant fireworks for hours together.
Public concern over the increasing levels of pollution at the time of Diwali has seized the city in the recent years. Almost all major newspapers have been reporting stories on the levels of PM2.5 (particulate matter), which can easily penetrate into your lungs and cause serious health issues and disease.
The sale of firecrackers in almost all cities of the nation continues to be unregulated. Even though there is increasing awareness about the environmental and health hazards of burning firecrackers, their use continues year after year putting the population at a major risk of respiratory and other health disorders.
Here are more reasons why we urge you not to burst firecrackers this Diwali.
Make a Difference
Let’s join hands to make it a #NoiseslessDiwali this year. Follow us on Facebook and support us in our effort to celebrate a healthy and happy Diwali.
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