Diwali. It is a festival of beauty and illumination. Eons ago, it is believed that Lord Rama returned with his brother Lakshman and wife Sita to his home - Ayodhya. Since it was a moonless night, the citizens of Ayodhya lit up the streets in order for them to find their way back to the palace and also to celebrate their crown prince's return after 14 long years of exile.
The return of light to dispel darkness is something that we Indians celebrate ever year and the festival itself has a great message. But must we shamelessly and thoughtlessly pollute the very air that sustains us? Must be cause unbearable noise pollution that causes the loss of peace and harmony?
Not to mention the many people who suffer burn injuries and asthma attacks on this night. It is not fair to be polluting the very air that will sustain not only ours but many future generations to come.
In the United States, the fourth of July is celebrated with fireworks, but these are all done in a community setting much like the Ravan burning every Dusshera.
I propose that fireworks should be banned from being sold to the general public and even if they have to be used, it should be done in a public or community setting. In areas which can do so, a laser show would be a more healthy, less dangerous and less noisy alternative. It may not be politically popular, but then sometimes what is popular is not the best solution.
The return of light to dispel darkness is something that we Indians celebrate ever year and the festival itself has a great message. But must we shamelessly and thoughtlessly pollute the very air that sustains us? Must be cause unbearable noise pollution that causes the loss of peace and harmony?
Not to mention the many people who suffer burn injuries and asthma attacks on this night. It is not fair to be polluting the very air that will sustain not only ours but many future generations to come.
In the United States, the fourth of July is celebrated with fireworks, but these are all done in a community setting much like the Ravan burning every Dusshera.
I propose that fireworks should be banned from being sold to the general public and even if they have to be used, it should be done in a public or community setting. In areas which can do so, a laser show would be a more healthy, less dangerous and less noisy alternative. It may not be politically popular, but then sometimes what is popular is not the best solution.
