Diwali - the Festival of Light or the Festival of Fireworks?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most popular, colorful and cheerful festivals celebrated by Hindus around the world. It usually falls in the months of October or November, depending on the lunar calendar.

The name “Diwali” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali” which means a row of lamps. During Diwali, people light up their homes with diyas or oil lamps to signify the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.

However, in recent years, Diwali seems to have turned into the Festival of Fireworks. It has become a competition of sorts, with people trying to outdo each other with louder and brighter fireworks displays.

During Diwali, the air is filled with the sound of firecrackers and the smell of gunpowder. It is not uncommon to see people walking around with earplugs or covering their ears with their hands to avoid the loud noise.

In fact, Diwali has become such a noisy affair that it has been dubbed as “India’s loudest festival” by some. The decibel levels during Diwali can sometimes reach up to 120 dB, which is equivalent to the sound of a jet engine.

It is not just humans who are affected by the noise pollution during Diwali. Animals, especially pets like dogs and cats, are often traumatized by the loud noises and bright flashes of light.

Perhaps it’s time to go back to the roots of the festival and celebrate Diwali for what it truly represents - the triumph of light over darkness, and not the triumph of fireworks over silence.