A Diwali of Light and Love: Reimagining the Festival for Our Future
Monali Suthar
Head of Operations & Social Initiatives @ Concept of Living Charitable Trust | Driving Social Impact
Diwali—the Festival of Lights—is one of India’s most cherished celebrations, with roots that reach deep into ancient history. Traditionally observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Its origins are traced to various mythological tales that highlight the triumph of righteousness and the significance of renewal.
For Hindus, Diwali is celebrated to honor Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, marking his victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed him with rows of oil lamps, which is why lighting diyas has become such a central part of the festival. In other regions, Diwali celebrates the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and is a time for people to invite blessings and abundance into their homes.
Sikhs commemorate Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, when Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh guru, was released from imprisonment along with 52 other political prisoners. Jains observe Diwali as the day Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment, while Buddhists celebrate Diwali as part of the honoring of Emperor Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism.
In all these traditions, Diwali embodies renewal, hope, and the uplifting of the human spirit. Homes are cleaned, adorned with rangolis, and filled with the warm glow of diyas, symbolizing the driving away of darkness. Firecrackers, however, were not an original part of Diwali; their usage began much later, initially as a symbolic gesture to ward off evil spirits. Over time, as firecrackers became more commercially accessible, they gained prominence in celebrations, eventually becoming central to Diwali festivities in many parts of India.
The True Spirit of Diwali
Diwali was traditionally a quiet, gentle celebration filled with meaningful rituals that brought families and communities together. The festival was celebrated with earthen lamps, offerings, and shared meals, nurturing a sense of peace, unity, and introspection. Today, with the rise of firecrackers, we find ourselves grappling with air pollution, noise, and health issues that affect everyone. In this, we risk overshadowing the beautiful, quiet origins of Diwali—its essence of warmth, gratitude, and reverence for life.
As we gather for Diwali this year, perhaps it’s time to reflect on how we can honor these timeless values while adapting to the needs of our world today. Imagine a Diwali where the focus returns to lighting lamps that symbolize our inner light, our joy, and our commitment to positive change, creating a celebration that is as kind to the earth as it is to our spirits.
Impact on Environment and Health
The environmental cost of firecrackers is staggering. Firecrackers emit harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter (PM2.5), all of which impact air quality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged exposure to PM2.5 can lead to serious respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. In a city like Delhi, which already struggles with air quality, the air post-Diwali is often classified as "severe," with pollution levels soaring up to 14 times above the safe limit.
The noise pollution from firecrackers also affects mental well-being, disturbing sleep patterns and causing anxiety, particularly in animals, young children, and the elderly. Dr. Ashish Sharma, an environmental scientist, points out, "When we burst firecrackers, we don't just affect ourselves; we affect an entire ecosystem."
For a holiday meant to bring light and joy, these environmental and health impacts contradict the spirit of Diwali, which celebrates compassion and life.
Social Perceptions and Resistance to Change
Despite the environmental and health concerns, firecrackers remain ingrained in Diwali celebrations. People who advocate for a cracker-free Diwali often face resistance, as changing these traditions can be perceived as disregarding cultural norms. However, as we begin to acknowledge the environmental toll, many communities and families are finding meaningful ways to celebrate that embrace Diwali’s values without the environmental impact.
Writer Vandana Shiva says, “Change is always difficult, but so is pollution. If we start by sharing positive experiences, we can inspire others to make choices that reflect both tradition and responsibility.” With courage, we can lead by example, showing that Diwali can still shine brilliantly without the clouds of smoke.
Rules and Regulations: Laws in India and Beyond
To address the environmental impact of firecrackers, the Indian Supreme Court has placed restrictions on their usage, specifying timeframes during which they may be used, and limiting the types of firecrackers allowed. However, enforcement remains a challenge, and pollution levels often spike after Diwali due to widespread non-compliance.
Internationally, other countries have taken more stringent measures. In Germany, fireworks are only allowed on New Year's Eve for a short period, and in the United Kingdom, firework noise is regulated to ensure public safety. These countries’ practices show that balancing celebration with respect for health and safety is both possible and beneficial.
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Responsibility: Authorities, Communities, and Individuals
While laws set boundaries, it is our collective responsibility to embrace these boundaries with gratitude for the guidance they provide. As individuals and communities, we can inspire change by modeling the kind of celebration that reflects both our joy and our respect for the planet. Authorities can do their part by educating the public, but the true transformation comes from the heart of every family, every neighborhood, and every individual.
Imagine a Diwali where communities come together to celebrate without compromising health or peace. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” By shifting to quieter, eco-friendly practices, we honor his words and embody the spirit of gratitude, kindness, and community.
Climate Change and Future Generations
Firecrackers not only pollute immediately but also contribute to the broader issue of climate change. Environmental activist Greta Thunberg reminds us, “The climate crisis has already been solved. We already have all the facts and solutions. All we have to do is to wake up and change.”
This Diwali, let’s wake up to the beauty of a celebration that doesn’t compromise our planet. Our earth is a gift, one we pass down to our children. Imagine a future where every Diwali brings pure air, clear skies, and healthy families. This is the legacy we can choose to leave behind.
What We Can Do: A Diwali of Light and Love
For the Future Generations
Each Diwali, we pass on traditions, stories, and values. As we make choices for a cleaner Diwali, we give a gift to the generations that will celebrate after us—a gift of health, of respect for the earth, of gratitude for all that we have.
Diwali isn’t about what we can take from this world, but what we can give. It’s a time to share light, joy, and love, creating memories that make us feel connected to something greater than ourselves. And when we choose to honor this festival with kindness, we leave a legacy of light that will guide others long after we are gone.
This Diwali, let’s celebrate with gratitude in our hearts, compassion in our actions, and a vision of a better world. Let our festival of lights be a beacon of hope and a promise of a cleaner, kinder, and brighter tomorrow.
Monali Suthar,