India's Obsession with Fireworks

Every year during Diwali, state governments across the country kindly request people to limit the use of fireworks. Animal rights activists also kindly remind everyone to be considerate of pets and strays by reducing noise pollution. Additionally, environmental activists kindly share reports about how fireworks can contribute to pollution. But every year, people still enjoy buying fireworks and lighting them up late into the night, even though we all know about the potential consequences.

There is, well, a bit of a difference between what we understand about fireworks and how we actually feel about them. And it's a phenomenon that can be found all over the globe!

Did you know that scientists find fireworks fascinating? They believe it's because of how quickly they emit light and sparks, which can make them seem out of this world to our brains. Some people even find them magical! However, a more grounded explanation might be that they evoke emotions within us in just the right amounts. Fireworks create a sense of excitement, anticipation, and maybe even a little bit of fear in us, during that brief moment from when they're ignited to when they burst into dazzling colours. In safe and exciting settings, we get a wonderful rush of the neurotransmitter dopamine when we witness fireworks illuminating the sky. It's a fantastic experience that reminds us of the joy and positivity that people worldwide associate with fireworks.

But one of the main reasons why we still enjoy firecrackers is probably the most obvious one - conditioning. When kids grow up thinking of fireworks as symbols of joy and celebration, they often want to keep experiencing that feeling even when they're adults. It's a way for them to hold onto the happy memories they had as children.

This conditioning is present not only within individuals but also across generations and cultures. In India, for instance, pyrotechnic shows with fireworks have a long history. They were used by mediaeval Indian kingdoms to entertain during royal occasions. This used to be considered a luxury enjoyed by wealthy members of the aristocracy, mainly due to the high cost of gunpowder back then. Over time, what used to be a lavish and extravagant demonstration of affluence transformed into a joyful symbol of festivity. This drew talented fireworks experts from all corners of the globe and gradually became more accessible to everyday people who desired to experience the magical splendour of royal celebrations.

Gunpowder was later replaced by dynamite in warfare, and it became exclusively dedicated to a thriving firecracker industry in India. It received a boost from a ban on imports from China, which helped local industries and contributed to the popularity of using firecrackers for celebrations. The psychological fascination people have with firecrackers, along with years of conditioning, contributed to a period of great success for them. However, we eventually became aware of their harmful effects on health and the environment.

Did you know that fireworks can have a big impact on the environment? They can cause air pollution, release toxins and smoke, and even leave behind harmful metal particles. We also understand that many of these harmful chemicals do not decompose, which unfortunately means that they can cause harm for a long time. The understanding gained from this knowledge has prompted governments to implement time restrictions or even bans on fireworks, which has unfortunately impacted the firecracker industry in recent years.

In recent years, it has become increasingly important for us to separate firecrackers from our celebrations. We should work together to overcome any conflicting thoughts we may have about this. This upcoming Diwali, let's consider taking steps to eliminate this issue that affects us, our animals, and our environment. Even though it may seem beautiful and rewarding at the time, it's important to address it.