Sahildeep Singh Raina
India is the land of festivals.However, none of the festivals comes close to Diwali. It is certainly one of the biggest festivals in India. It is probably the brightest festival in the world. People of different religions celebrate Diwali.The festival signifies the victory of light over darkness. This also means the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It is known as the festival of lights. Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word “Deepawali”, which means a series of lamps.
Religious Significance of Diwali
The religious significance of this festival has differences. It varies from one region to another in India. There is an association of many deities, cultures, and traditions with Diwali.
According to the Ramayana, Diwali is the day of the return of Rama. This day Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya along with his wife Sita. This return was made after Rama defeated demon King Ravana. Furthermore, Rama’s brother Lakshmana and Hanuman also came back to Ayodhya victorious.
There is another popular tradition for the reason of Diwali. Here Lord Vishnu as an incarnation of Krishna killed Narakasura. Narakasura was certainly a demon. Above all, this victory brought the release of 16000 captive girls.
This beautiful festival brings prosperity. Hindu merchants open new account books on Diwali. Furthermore, they also pray for success and prosperity. People also buy new clothes for themselves and for others.
This light festival brings peace to people. It brings the light of peace to the heart. Diwali certainly brings spiritual calmness to people. Sharing joy and happiness is another spiritual benefit of Diwali. People visit each other’s houses during this festival of lights. They do happy communication, eat good meals, and enjoy fireworks.
Diwali Pollution: A Matter of Concern
Diwali is an auspicious day. The entire atmosphere is filled with the air of festivity and joy around this time. However, it eventually fills with pollution. The fire crackers burnt on this day are a complete put off. Burning crackers is said to be a ritual on Diwali. People burn thousands of crackers in the name of ritual on this day each year. This results in the increase in pollution levels in the atmosphere.
The sky turns hazy and the consequences are harmful. It gives way to many health problems. This is especially unsafe for asthmatic patients, heart patients, pregnant women, elderly people and infants. It is difficult to step out on Diwali as well as days after the festival.
The burning of crackers does not only pollute the air but also causes noise pollution. It is particularly disturbing for sick and elderly people, small kids, students and animals.
Eco-Friendly Diwali: A Good Idea
It is high time we must behave as responsible citizens and stop burning crackers to celebrate Diwali or any other occasion for that matter. We must celebrate eco-friendly Diwali.
We must say no to crackers and advise those around us to do the same. Parents must take this as their responsibility to tell their kids about the negative repercussions of burning crackers. Kids must also be sensitized about the same in the schools. This will help in bringing down the fireworks on Diwali.
Apart from the measures that people can take at their end, it is important to put a check on the sale of fire crackers. The government must intervene for the same. The production and sale of fire crackers must be banned or at least some restriction should be put on the same.
To conclude we can say that Diwali is an expression of the joy of a community over the victory of the good over the evil. It is celebrated to share joy and positivity with the community.
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