Diwali Celebration | How is it celebrated in the past and now? | Are we celebrating Deepavali the right way?

 Diwali or Deepavali, the Indian Hindu festival, originally the festival of lights has become a hot topic today in the Indian media. Let us know why.

Little History

All the festivals in India are very interesting and have a mythological backing and so is Diwali. It is interesting to note that though everyone throughout India celebrate it in almost the same way, the story they have behind it is different. One more interesting thing to note is, the Jains & Sikhs - on the event of laying of foundation stone of golden temple (other religions in India) too celebrate this festival.

Northern Part  - 

On the event of returning of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. The day he returned was an amavasya (No moon or new moon day), so, the people of his kingdom, welcomed their beloved king by lighting lamps in their home and made the path glow bright.

Southern Part - 

It is believed that Lord Krishna along with Sathyabhama has killed Narakasura.

Western Part - 

Especially, in Gujarat, it is celebrated as a new year and the occasion of birth of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

Eastern Part - 

Diwali is celebrated in the name of Kali Puja (Worshipping of Goddess Kali, a fierce and violent avatar of Goddess Durga) & also Bhaidooj is celebrated during this time. It is done mostly in parts of Bengal & Assam.

The Present Scenario

It all started as a very peaceful means of celebrating festival with diyas (a small cup-shaped oil lamp made of baked clay), sweets & offering prayers to the Gods & Goddesses. With the advent of technology and modern thoughts came the fire crackers. And fire crackers became the symbol of the present day's Diwali. Every kid, adult, old, rich, poor, everyone without any discrimination started purchasing crackers, though costly, and started burning them. And it started adding to the already existing problem - Pollution!

Pollution that happens 

Air Pollution - Due to the chemicals and the smoke released from the crackers.

Sound Pollution - The deafening sounds of few crackers is a problem not only to humans but also to animals like dogs, cats, cows etc.

Solid Waste - The papers and metal that is left out after burning crackers is very huge and piles up on all the roads of the country.

It has been reported many times in the media last year that the Air Quality in the Indian National Capital Delhi was already worse and the pollution due to Diwali is adding up. 

Changes that are being brought

It is a good move that the government in India has realized and is taking steps to curb the pollution. The National Green Tribunal of the Indian Government has passed orders to several state governments across the country where the pollution levels are alarmingly poor.

Criticism 

Many famous personalities such as Chetan Bhagat said, 

"Diwali is 1 day, 0.27% of year. pollution comes from 99.6% days of poor planning and regulation. Fix that. Not make 1 religion feel guilty."

My response would be - It is not that people are targeting only one religion. It is about our healthy environment. The smoke from the crackers burst on Diwali is equally harmful as the smoke from a cigarette. At least cigarette harms just you or just the people very nearby to  you. But the pollution from crackers harms many people around you. 

Would just one day count? Yes sir, every drop counts!

Finally - Boon or Bane?

These days, it has become common for every Indian to say "Go Desi" Why don't you Go Desi on your festival too? Why don't we celebrate Diwali the same way it has been celebrated long back before crackers were invented? I do agree that the kids should have little fun. But that can be done using green crackers. There have been few small companies who started manufacturing crackers that pollute less. On the eve of Diwali, have community meetings and celebrate with sweets & lights instead of smoke & sound.

So, the festival itself is not a Bane to the environment but the way it has transformed over the years is a Bane. 

Diwali emerged as a FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. Let it stay that way and enjoy the essence of the festival of lights and sweets with spirituality all around. Therefore, we can say celebrating Diwali is a Boon! Also it is not apt to call Diwali as an Hindu festival, rather calling it as Indian Festival would be apt. Do you agree or disagree with me? Write down in the comments and let me know.

I wish everyone out there a Happy & Safe Diwali which should brighten your lives and make you Happy!

I will be writing a post on Religions soon! Your inputs are appreciated.

P.S: I am not against or towards any particular religion. I treat all the religions with equal respect.

Factfile:

NGT Order on Ban 

Chetan Bhagat Status on Twitter

Here are few things which might help you celebrate Diwali in a less polluted way!