For most Hindus, firecrackers are synonymous with Diwali but with rising toxic air pollution and a resurge in COVID cases, most states in the country banned bursting of firecrackers.
However, the ban was up in flames as people completely flouted the rule.?
Most non-BJP ruled states including Delhi, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Odisha and Maharashtra imposed a complete ban on bursting of firecrackers on Diwali. After the ban announcement, BJP-ruled Haryana relaxed the move partially and allowed bursting of "green" firecrackers for two hours on Diwali.
Another BJP-ruled state of Karnataka also rolled back the ban permitting green firecrackers to be used citing ¡°public pressure¡±.
While the ban was completely flouted, especially in the national capital, pro-firecrackers fringe outfits related it to the Hindu sentiments.
Like every year, suggestions to ban or restrict the use of firecrackers are met with accusations that it is a part of a larger agenda to target Hindu festivals, compltely ignoring the effects it has on the environment, animals and people alike.
Spokespersons of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Swadeshi Jagran Manch opposed the ban on firecrackers imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), saying that ¡°use of crackers is deeply linked with Diwali celebration.¡±?
A call to protect the environment is seen is an attack on Hinduism.
While it can't be said that firecrackers are a primary source of air pollution, they do deteriorate air quality for several days, adding toxicity to the already choking air pollution.
The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has opposed a complete ban on firecrackers during the festival of Diwali.
¡°Swadeshi Jagran Manch urges all the state governments to avoid a complete ban on firecrackers on the occasion of Deepawali, bypassing the false propaganda in terms of ill effects of firecrackers,¡±? Dr Ashwani Mahajan, National Co-Convenor of the SJM, said in a statement.
He said that the governments are banning firecrackers without any factual information, adding that the move is completely inappropriate.
Delhi recorded worst air quality in four years on the day after Diwali as pollution levels in the city and its suburbs crossed the "emergency" threshold on Sunday due to the combined effect of stubble burning and firecrackers.
A large number of people burst crackers across the national capital and its suburbs on Saturday night, flouting the ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal.