Deepavali or its most common variant Diwali has always been known as a festival of color and light. While its exact significance/origin in history is dubious (quite a common incidence in several Hindu mythologies), no one (who is a Hindu) questions its purpose.
Just recently I happened to witness a debate on "Diwali and its effects on the atmosphere". The people debating it are supposedly intelligent, educated & original thinkers!!! I just felt puckish.
Deepavali in India has been celebrated since times immemorial. It marks the approach of winter and the new harvest season. I love Diwali. I love all the rituals and festivities associated with it. I love the fun, gaiety, tasty eats as well as the noise and pollution of Deepavali. Anyone who does not share my feelings....
Quick fact - A once in a year occurrence does not contribute much to global warming :P (for those of u who didn't know).
Global warming is a recent observation and occurrence. It did not start because of Diwali, nor will it end with it.
I am not entirely sure of details nor do I really care for the emissions from "firecrackers". I love the smell of gunpowder too for that matter. All you loud mouths screaming to stop pollution, first quit using all modern day appliances. Get all government and militant groups to stop waging wars. When all other countries stop having fireworks on certain important days, I might perhaps be persuaded to think about giving up crackers on Diwali.
I am not a hypocrite. I cannot live without several modern comforts, many of which contribute to global warming. Their respective natural substitutes are simply not viable options anymore. I therefore try to minimize/optimize such necessary evils. For example - using CARPOOLS. Those who ask for company leased cars and then go on to preach a GREEN DEEPAVALI..... please take a flying jump for all I care.
My only worry during Diwali is for the numerous birds I have at home. However, I have never heard them complain nor die of fear or fall sick even. So, if it is the noise that bothers you....I suggest you get some treatment for your sad life.
Some smart----- argue about the use of child labor in the fireworks industry. Well u guys...have you found a solution yet? Sure I would love to see those children happy, well-fed and studying in schools. Show me a working model of that ideal world and I will participate myself to carry it forward. In India, with all the great leaders and people's representatives, an ideal life for such (already deprived) children is just not a possibility....Please do not bother to argue just for the sake of it.
True, child laborers are denied their just dues. However, they do get something (nobody is a fool to work repeatedly without getting paid). A parent, unable to earn even that meager amount and provide his child with at least two square meals a day, does not have his child's education as his top priority. Free secondary education, mid-day meals etc are just hogwash. So quit arguing and accept that these children are not going to school after losing their jobs. Quit putting them on a fast track to death - either due to starvation or unhygienic midday meals.
Don't argue for a green Diwali then go ahead and celebrate marriages or cricket victories with fireworks. Quit being myopic hypocrites and pseudo intellectuals.
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