It is rather painful to see the illogical and shrill campaign gathering momentum against all Hindu festivals. Particularly in the case of Deepavali (or Diwali), it has taken off like a Diwali aerial shot. To substantiate their bogus claims the so called environment warriors liberally show us a series of photos showcasing the polluted Delhi air. Sans any scientific data or study we are made to believe that bursting of Crackers is harmful for the health of citizens. Surprisingly this danger or health hazard develops unfailingly every year a week before Diwali and lasts for a couple of days after Diwali. It does not matter on the rest of the days when the AQI is worse than ever.
Now that OpIndia has started a campaign to reclaim Diwali celebrations and give the majority Hindus their true right to follow their centuries old tradition of bursting crackers on Diwali, here is my suggestion to make it a success.
Bursting of crackers should be taken up not just for Diwali but also for other occasions.
- On Independence Day and Republic day.
- Every evening when Aarti is being performed on river banks in Varanasi, Haridwar, Ayodhya, Rishikesh etc.
- In all privately owned temples on every Friday evening during the Deepa aarti. This may not be possible in large Hindu temples controlled by the State.
- ON Ganesh Chathurthi festival every evening till visargan. Similarly for Janmashtami, Navaratri, Durga puja.
- Regional New year day like Ugadi, Baisaki, Vishu etc.
If this is done it will pave the way for a rethinking by the State and pose a challenge to the depraved community of deranged environment warriors.
It will ensure a steady business for the Fireworks industry and sustain them throughout the year instead of depending on the vagaries of the State. It will safeguard the livelihood of lakhs of citizens involved in this industry directly and indirectly.
This is how the Ganesh Chathurthi festival became a public festival all over the India from a small beginning made by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Pune.