Deepawali or Diwali "festival of lights"

Deepawali or Diwali, is a festival of lights symbolising the victory of righteousness and

the lifting of spiritual darkness. The word 'Deepawali' literally means rows of diyas (clay
lamps). This is one of the most popular festivals in the Hindu calendar.
The most beautiful of all Indian festivals, Diwali is a celebration of lights. Streets are
illuminated with rows of clay lamps and homes are decorated with colours and candles.
This festival is celebrated with new clothes, spectacular firecrackers and a variety of
sweets in the company of family and friends. All this illumination and fireworks, joy and
festivity, signify the victory of divine forces over those of wicked.
The Goddess Lakshmi (consort of Vishnu), who is the symbol of wealth and prosperity,
is also worshipped on this day.
It is believed that on this day Lord Rama came to his home Ayodhya after an exile of
fourteen years in junlge. It was a big celebrations as Lord Rama returned after killing
Ravana, the symbol of evil, in a war. People of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Rama by lighting rows of
earthen lamps, which gave this festival the name of Deepawali. It is believed that Lord Rama
traveled from South India to Ayodhya and this is the main reason that Deepawali is celebrated one
day in advance in Southern part of India.

Diwali vs pollution: Would you burst firecrackers regardless?

Loud crackers have always been a major source of pollution. Its impact has been more
in the last few decades. Crackers and fireworks cause the cumulative effect of the
sound, air pollution and to some extent water pollution. After a campaign, a few years
back, by some social and environmental organisations that involved young children,
there was a slight decrease in the use of loud crackers in some parts of the country.
Now the question is, would you support and take the campaign forward and try to
celebrate this festival of lights with more lights, preferably Diyas (oil-lamps), and less of
smoke and high decibel crackers. We might not only reduce the high costs of buying
and burning these crackers, but also reduce the expense incurred in the treatment and
cure of asthma and other pollution related diseases including anxiety and heart
problems. Should we not act reasonably and prove ourselves to be better citizens?
Should we not make improved use of our education? Don�t we all deserve cleaner air
to breathe and a calmer environment to enjoy the beautifully lit houses? Instead of
adding to the pollution, should we not enjoy the sweets and delicacies with friends and
families? Do you think we should make an ugly and loud display of wealth? Are pomp
and show and bursting loud crackers correct? We surely can afford to spend more with
a booming economy. More people with high incomes, much of it disposable, try to
outwit each other. If our fellow beings are unhealthy will the gods be happy? What is
your take on the issue? Are you willing to contribute in reducing pollution this Diwali?

Diwali, one of the important festivals in India has the distinction of polluting the environment to the
core. Newborns and aged people have a nightmarish experience because of the high levels of sound
caused by crackers during Diwali. Noise pollution on Diwali is between 69.7 db and 88.3 db which
are higher than the prescribed limit of 50 db. The decibel levels alarmingly high in metros and it may
reach up to 100 db.

Crackers are sometimes manufactured using barium sulphate, sodium nitrate, sulphur and
potassium chlorate and when burnt, emit gases such as sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, oxides
of heavy metals and particulate matter that pollute the air and cause eye irritation, respiratory
disorders and allergies.

The government, police, pollution control boards are suggesting many alternative ways to celebrate
festivals which does not pollute the environment. Even strict and stringent warnings are also given to
public to refrain from bursting crackers such as atom bombs, hydrogen bombs, bullet bombs,
thousand and ten thousand wallas. But it is all solely depend on the “change of mind”.

Diwali, one of the important festivals in India has the distinction of polluting the environment to the
core. Newborns and aged people have a nightmarish experience because of the high levels of sound
caused by crackers during Diwali. Noise pollution on Diwali is between 69.7 db and 88.3 db which
are higher than the prescribed limit of 50 db. The decibel levels alarmingly high in metros and it may
reach up to 100 db.

Crackers are sometimes manufactured using barium sulphate, sodium nitrate, sulphur and
potassium chlorate and when burnt, emit gases such as sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, oxides
of heavy metals and particulate matter that pollute the air and cause eye irritation, respiratory
disorders and allergies.

The government, police, pollution control boards are suggesting many alternative ways to celebrate
festivals which does not pollute the environment. Even strict and stringent warnings are also given to
public to refrain from bursting crackers such as atom bombs, hydrogen bombs, bullet bombs,
thousand and ten thousand wallas. But it is all solely depend on the “change of mind”.

However, what does such a grand celebration mean to the environmentalists. Well there is no
happy news, and if the will of the conservators is to prevail, they may like to scale down the
celebrations to save the environment from the ill effects of this festival.
Excessive consumerism, high-energy consumption and air pollution through firecrackers, are
the three major concerns of the environmentalists. They are campaigning for a green ‘Diwali’ so
that the deliberate assault on the Mother Nature is stopped and at the same time, the spirit of
the festival is not compromised.

As far as excessive consumerism is concerned, ‘Diwali’ is also a celebration of abundance and

wealth - many people believe that it is a good time to buy and spend. Often, people go out and
buy new items even when they don't need them. Advertisements and hoardings lure people
offerings extravaganza sales, bargains, discounts encouraging buying more and more. All this
entails a horde for increased consumerism during ‘Diwali.’

Have we realized the effect of such hyperactive consumerism on the environment? It has to be
borne that all man made items are made out of materials that come from nature. Be it plastic,
metal, paper or cloths - all of these raw materials are sourced from the nature. Those sources that are
non-renewable, such as fossil fuels and metal ores, get depleted and will one day run
out. The depletion of non-renewable natural resources is one of the most significant
impacts of consumerism.

Another effect of consumerism is the creation of solid-waste, which is non-

biodegradable. This has to be buried into holes dug up in the ground, but it is hardly
done so, and what is being done is they are simply thrown away out of the homes.
These 'landfills' as they are called may exist for centuries without completely integrating
into the soil. According to the environmentalists, this is a huge assault on the Mother
Nature.

Therefore, it is essential to reduce the amount of things we consume. We need to

inculcate the habit to reuse the things we have in different forms until we have
absolutely no use for them. We may also learn to recycle items that are no longer
functional. We have to rethink the choices we make while buying and refuse things that
we do not need at all.

The big question can we control our desires, can we stop the mad race of consumerism.
It is just a matter of change of habit and adhering to the simple principles of
environmental concerns. The choice is limited and we have to put the breaks on it now if
we like to gift the space we live in to our posterity.

High Energy Consumption is another highlight of ‘Diwali’. The festival of lights puts a
considerably load on electrical energy sources that are already overloaded. The use of
electric lights to adorn homes, business establishments, monuments and roads requires
a huge amount of electricity. In a power-starved country, can we afford such huge
amount of electrical consumption? This mindless consumption of electricity has huge
impact on global warming and to be checked.

The only possible alternative to electric lights is to use the traditional oil lamps for
celebrating the festival of lights. Even though the use oil, too have its environmental
implications, but since the duration of such lamps is shorter, this can be a possible
alternative.

The most harm caused to the environment is due to the lighting of firecrackers,
considered the most thrilling element in ‘Diwali’ celebrations.

Hardly anyone realize the amount of pollution the temporary joy the firecrackers cause
to the prelim of the environment. The toxic substances used in the firecrackers release
toxic gases that are harmful to the health of human being, animals, birds, plants and
trees.

The high level of noise that the firecrackers generate by cause immense sufferings and
the sick and the ailing, literally dread them. Sudden exposure to loud noise could cause
hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart attack and sleeping disturbances.

Crackers that make a noise of more than 125 decibels at four meters distance from the
point of bursting are banned by the law but hardly any one abide by such a ruling.

More so hardly few realize that very young children mostly make the firecrackers and
handle the substance that are extremely toxic; many of these child laborers get sick and
die early. This is a matter of huge concern but hardly anyone is bothered about such
issues, Even if there are some, their voices drowned under the drumbeat of religious
festivities.

However, these are issues of serious concern, and have to be addressed with top
priority. There is an urgent need to reinterpret the rituals and traditions of the country to
become more sensitive to the environment.

Notwithstanding the fact that there is growing recognition of the impacts of ‘Diwali’ on
the environment, the entire nation seems to be going whole hog for the extravagant
celebration of the festival. They seem to be consciously being unconscious about the
harm they are causing to the environment.

The silver linings among the dark clouds is, several groups that have sprung up with
ecological sensitive initiatives around ‘Diwali’ but are in a minuscule minority. The day
when the people of the country get attached with such initiative and celebrate the
festival in an eco-friendly way, it would be a big relief to the environmentalists

Do you encourage your kids to burn firecrakers on Diwali? Do you go all out
and splurge at the nearest store, so your kids can shoot rockets in the air,
light 'anars' and 'chakris'? Here's why you should think twice.

Child Exploitation

Your children are fortunate to be part of the privileged few that can afford
firecrackers. But there are numerous children who are employed by the
firecracker industry, who sit late into the night making crackers for your
children to burn in an instant. Firecrackers are made using harmful
chemicals and acids, and these children work from dawn to dusk, breathing
such harmful fumes and coming into constant skin contact with the acids.
They burn their hands, legs and eyes, and many get miamed for life. The
conditions they work in are inhumance, and the compensation, pitiful.

Air Pollution

Diwali celebrations resulted in high levels of air pollution in many parts of the city. According to
the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), which continuously monitored the ambient
air quality from November 3 to 8, respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) levels were
much higher than permissible levels on those days. Apart from the presence of pollutants, other
factors that affect the ambient air quality of an area include weather conditions, wind direction
and wind velocity. "Low temperature will affect the dispersal of pollutants, and such a scenario
will increase a chemical's concentration in a particular area. Similarly, open spaces and a clear
sky allow unhindered dispersal of a pollutant. However, as compared to 2009, the level of
pollutants in the air during Diwali

The National Air Monitoring Programme identifies four air pollutants viz, sulphur dioxide
(SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NO2), suspended particulate matter (SPM) and respirable suspended
particulate matter (RSPM/PM10). The permissible limit of RSPM/PM10 is 100 ug/m3 as per the
ambient air quality monitoring standards. Similarly, the permissible limit for NO2 and SO2 is 80
ug/m3, and that of SPM is 200 ug/m3.

A heavy smog hangs low in the air on Diwali night and a few days after that.
While we ignore the smell - and some even claim to like it - we can't ignore
the fact that we are inhaling poison. The levels of sulphur nitrates,
magnesium, nitrogen dioxide increase, and these chemicals are injurious to
our respiratory passages. Asthamatics, beware! Diwali can be potentially
fatal!

Ecology

One Diwali night causes as much damage to the ecology as regular pollution
does over the span of a year.

Impact of Diwali fireworks on Environment - Presentation Transcript

1. Think twice before teaming up with pollution @ Diwali

2. Before teaming up with the pollution at this Diwali by bursting the crackers, know
the impacts of your alliance..
3. Child Exploitation
Children employed in firecracker industry, sit late into the night making crackers
for you to burn in an instant and burn their hands, legs and eyes, and many get
maimed for life because of the harmful chemical and acid used to make the
crackers.
4. Air Pollution
A heavy smog hangs low in the air on Diwali night and a few days after that,
resulting in the increased level of sulphur nitrates, magnesium, nitrogen dioxide
which are injurious to our respiratory passages.
5. Noise Pollution
Bombs leads to noise pollution, and a prolonged exposure to such high levels of
noise can lead to permanent damage of the eardrums.
6. GarbageApproximately 4,000 additional metric tonnes of garbage are released in
Delhi alone, and twice the amount in Mumbai. it comprises of chemicals like
phosphorous, sulphur and potassium chlorate, and tonnes of burnt paper.
7. Accidents
Nearly 10,000 people get injured by the crackers every year.
8. Now, you decide how are you going to celebrate Diwali..

Noise Pollution

'Bombs' are a favourite amongst kids, and the noisier the better. This leads
to noise pollution, and a prolonged exposure to such high levels of noise can
lead to permanent damage of the eardrums.
 Posts Tagged ‘Diwali Noise Pollution’

Festival of Air and Noise Pollution

Sunday, October 24th, 2010

There are numerous types of festivals in the world. Though many have religious
origins, others involve seasonal change or have some cultural significance. In
every months many festival comes and fill colors in our life. Every festival takes
an important part in the life of different peoples from different communities of
India. Crackers hold a fascination for both young and old alike. Crackers of
varied colors and sounds fill the skies heralding India’s favorite festival. But
these crackers spoil our environment by causing noise and air pollution and also
affect our health. The smoke of fireworks consists mainly of fine toxic dusts and
chemicals that easily enter the lungs and represents a real danger for those already
sick as well as for the healthy.

Garbage

The amount of garbage released on the day after Diwali is phenomenal.

Approximately 4,000 additional metric tonnes of garbage are released in
Delhi alone, and twice the amount in Mumbai. And this garbage, far from
being eco-friendly, is extremely hazardous for the environment as it
comprises of chemicals like phosphorous, sulphur and potassium chlorate,
and tonnes of burnt paper.

Garbage up by 30% after Diwali

A day after Diwali, the city roads were littered with burnt crackers and extravagant wrappings in
which gifts and sweet boxes were packed. According to Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD),
the solid waste produced by the city increased by nearly 25-30% on the day after Diwali.

MCD claimed its safai karamcharis worked around the clock during the festive season to make
sure the city is as clean as possible. Said press and information director, MCD, Deep Mathur:
"The safai karamcharis work day and night around Diwali to ensure that the littered roads are
cleaned before next morning.'' But, sources added, despite all efforts the amount of waste
generated during the festive season is overwhelming. The situation was similar in the areas that
fall under New Delhi Municipal Council. According to MCD, amount of solid waste in Delhi has
increased from 6000-7000 MT in 2007 to 9,000 MT in 2009. Officials said that with heavy
construction going on across the city to prepare it for Commonwealth Games 2010, the amount
of waste would increase even more.

Accidents

Numerous fire accidents occur every year. Rough estimates claim that nearly
10,000 people get injured by the crackers. Most of the injuries are minor,
but cause an untold amount of pain. Most of the victims are children in the
age group of 8-16.

School Campaigns

A few schools around the country are encouraging their students not to burn
firecrackers. Perhaps it's time you did the same.

Firecracker Display

Take your children to a clubhouse or encourage your neighbourhood society

to hold a firework display, followed by dinner. In this manner a lot fewer
fireworks get burnt, and one doesn't feel that they haven't 'celebrated' this
festival in the manner it calls for.

Harmful effects of firecrackers

Diwali is celebrated with great vigour all across the nation. Bursting firecrackers is a
tradition on Diwali. People of all age groups burn crackers forgetting about the
injuries they are casting on nature along with their own health.

COME DIWALI and one can hear the sounds of firecrackers exploding from all
directions. People of all age groups are fascinated with firecrackers, which form a
prominent part of the Diwali celebrations. Firecrackers are known to cause air
pollution as well as noise pollution and are extremely harmful for senior citizens and
small children.
Pets such as dogs and cats also suffer on account of firecrackers as animals have a
more sensitive sense of hearing than humans. It is important for each one of us to
act as responsible citizens and discourage the use of firecrackers.

Firecrackers can cause hearing loss, high blood pressure, sleeping disturbances and
sudden exposure to loud noise can cause temporary or permanent deafness or even
result in heart attack. Nausea and mental impairment are also some of the side
effects of firecrackers.

Karuna Mehta an environmental activist says, “Firecrackers should be banned as

they cause a number of health hazards. People come down with all sorts of
respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. Air and noise pollution are also
the side effects of firecrackers that are responsible for various injuries. The smog
that is created on Diwali is responsible for a number of accidents due to reduced
visibility.”

According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), a non-profit

organization, awareness should be created for the masses. People need to
understand that bursting firecrackers is not trendy anymore. It is important for the
government to organize anti-firecracker campaigns and discourage people from
bursting firecrackers. Parents as well as children should be educated on the harmful
effects of firecrackers and environmental laws should be implemented strictly.

Observing that the ‘Right to Sleep’ is a fundamental right, the government of India
has banned firecrackers between 10 pm and 6 am, on Diwali. The effect of this ban
has been very positive and the sale of firecrackers has considerably gone down.

Anita Pal, a schoolteacher says, “It is important for children to understand that
bursting crackers is harmful. We educate children before Diwali and discourage
them from bursting firecrackers. We also ask them to educate their parents and
relatives on the harmful effects of firecrackers as well as the dangers accompanying
them.”

Diwali is the biggest festival of India and its sanctity should not be blown away in
smoke. This festival of goodwill can be celebrated in a number of ways other than
bursting firecrackers.
Kanchan Chadha, a housewife says, “My family will be celebrating Diwali by having
a get together. We will cook a special Diwali cuisine and distribute gifts. I want my
children to learn to appreciate the beauty of the festival and not waste their time
and money in bursting firecrackers. We will of course light diyas and candles on
Diwali.”

Arjun Khurana, businessman says, “I have told my kids to refrain from bursting
firecrackers this Diwali. We will be going out to watch Saanwariya this Diwali as a
treat. I am unable to spend quality time with my family and see Diwali as an
opportunity to make up for the whole year.”

The Central Pollution Board of India has banned firecrackers with a decibel level of
more than 125 at a distance of 4 meters from the bursting point. There has also
been a considerable effort to do away with the infamous 1000 chain bombs.

Kamakshi Joshi, banker says, “We will go to the Noida Stadium and watch
the display of firecrackers instead of lighting them at home. Firecrackers
have injured many on Diwali in the past and it is important for us to
understand that prevention is better than cure.”

Amrita Puri, executive says, “I can still recall the day when one of my
neighbours had a heart failure on Diwali. It was on account of someone
having burst a gola bomb in front of him. It was a sad incident and such
mishaps can happen with anyone if we are not careful.”

Let each one of us take a pledge this Diwali to say NO to firecrackers and
invest in a safer and greener future. Diwali is the festival of lights and we
must enlighten our lives with the sparkle of joy and goodwill, forget past
grievances and look ahead towards a brighter and happier future.

How can we celebrate Diwali without harming the

environment?
Think Diwali, and the first thing that comes to your mind are firecrackers. There’s been
growing alarm at the long term ill effects of the fireworks on the environment, apart from
the noise pollution and the streets littered with paper and the contaminated air that we
breathe. What steps can we take to ensure that this Diwali and subsequent Diwalis are
eco-friendly and safe?