Deepawali is just around the corner—the season of lights, colorful rangolis, gifts and of course, not to forget the sweets, especially the most in-demand – Diwali ki soan papdi. The fact is, soan papdi is the Queen of Diwali, no matter how much we try making memes on it, either we buy it or we gift it. And it has been integrated into the rituals of gifting in India. But for the past few years, it seems to be like this trend will change very soon in the coming times.
The speed at which the AQI (Air Quality Index) in India, especially the Delhi-NCR Region, is degrading, it would be no surprise if, in future, people start gifting boxed fresh air or oxygen cylinders to each other. In India, the air quality index pre- and post-Diwali period goes high af, which is a hell lot of dangerous. It should be taken quite seriously. If the news, media and people aren’t talking about the coronavirus, doesn’t mean it has ended. Bursting crackers will be hazardous for Covid patients (active and recovered).
One should believe that they will be creating even more mess with the mentality that “sirf hamare karne se kya hota hai?” Remember my dear readers, if you are doing this, if you get involved in bursting crackers and worsening the air quality, it’s you and your family who will suffer.
The recent step taken by the National Green Tribunal to put a blanket ban on firecrackers from 9-10 November to December 1st is surely appreciated.
As of now, it is applicable in Delhi and nearby regions, but it will be soon implemented in other cities and towns with poor AQI as well. The cities that have lower AQI will be allowed to sell green crackers, but only for a limited period. But in my view, be it small or big, damage is damage. Hence firecrackers should be banned completely. And come on! India has lots of other means of making money and generating revenue for GDP.
Articles, news headlines, attractive advertisements, warnings will come and go. It’s the inner conscience of people that needs to be awakened. It is high time we lighten not just our homes but our minds too—with the actual meaning of Diwali and promote sympathy towards the environment and our own health.
Another productive and beautiful way of celebrating Diwali this year should be by utilising the same money for charity. Although there should not be any specific occasion for doing charity, let’s gift some soan papdi to those whose smile will make you smile.
Festivals like Diwali give a new meaning to reveling and bring happiness in the lives of the lesser privileged. On Diwali, giving gifts to the needy is better than setting fire to your money.
Happy Diwali, Safe Diwali!!!