Delhiites Shun Firecrackers To Attend Mega Laser-Show This Diwali, But Air Quality Is Still ¡®Very Poor¡¯
Amid cheers by amazed spectators, Delhi's famed Connaught Place on Saturday was witness to a mega laser show that encouraged people to shun crackers in order to cut down pollution in the national capital.
Diwali is one of the most important and eagerly awaited festivals in India but the manner in which the festival has historically been celebrated is now proving detrimental to the environment as it leads to widespread pollution that touches toxic marks post the festival on an annual basis.
In order to mark the festival in a way that it does not discourage the festive fervours while also retaining its unique bliss that is signified by colourful lights and all of this without having an adverse impact on the environment, a mega laser show is currently ongoing in Delhi.
But despite this, we certainly have a long way to go as the Air Quality remained "very poor" on Saturday in Delhi. The good news, however, is that last year it was "Severe+Emergency" on the same day.
#HappyDiwali to all!
¡ª Suman (@sumannager) October 26, 2019
Say no to crackers and enjoy the laser show and food court.
Do get your free mask too.
#DilliKiDiwali pic.twitter.com/3vPAuKDuQS
Amid cheers by amazed spectators, Delhi's famed Connaught Place on Saturday was witness to the inauguration of the mega laser show organised by the Arvind Kejriwal government to encourage people to shun crackers in order to cut down pollution in the national capital.
At the inaugural session, Chief Minister Kejriwal said that every year people would burst firecrackers in large numbers days ahead of Diwali, but this time, he has noticed a change.
"I have not heard a single firecracker being burst in the capital and it is a good start," he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
The stage is set for Delhi's experiment for a #crackerfreediwali with a #lasershow
¡ª Rupashree Nanda (@rupashreenanda) October 26, 2019
Pics of citizens, @LtGovDelhi @ArvindKejriwal @msisodia plus their families @CNNnews18 @news18dotcom pic.twitter.com/KHCXryxgcZ
Lt Governor Anil Baijal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was also present as the four-day event, named "Dilli ki Diwali", kick-started in Central Park in presence of hundreds of people.
The show with lasers beaming in sync with patriotic songs and audible from Ramayana was nothing short of a mega party on the streets for Delhiites who came from far and beyond.
Delhi do visit the laser show, food court in Central Park. Get your free mask and support the odd and even. Happy Diwali!#DilliKiDiwali pic.twitter.com/N6wsIIocrW
¡ª Meena Joshi (@MeenaJoshi_) October 26, 2019
"Today, the entire city has gathered to celebrate community Diwali. It is the first time something of this kind has happened," said Sisodia, seeking feedback to improve ways to celebrate the festival.
However, traders at Connaught Place said that their business was down by 70-80 per cent due to the closure of a few roads and parking slots for the laser show.
The circles of Connaught Place and adjoining areas were decked up with lights and people from all walks of life thronged the heart of the city to witness the unique show.
Planned to discourage people from using firecrackers so that the air pollution levels do not rise, the laser show would be creating an illusion of firecracker show with the exclusive use of lights which will be a treat to the eyes for people.#HappyDiwali pic.twitter.com/UJ654EfkyO
¡ª TOI Delhi (@TOIDelhi) October 26, 2019
Ajay Kumar along with his family came all the way from Sonipat in Haryana to enjoy the laser show.
"It is the first time that something of this kind was happening. So, more than me, my children were excited to attend the event instead of bursting firecrackers. The music is good and it's a fantastic show," he said.
Another Delhi resident, Alok Kumar said it's a good alternative to firecrackers and he welcomes the idea of community Diwali.
Hey Delhiites, are you ready for Delhi's biggest community #DilliKiDiwali celebration at CP?
¡ª Sourabh ?? (@SourabhJainIET) October 26, 2019
Leave crackers, let's celebrate festival of lights with a mega laser show!
Delhi Govt is organising mega laser show from 26 to 29 Oct. U can all attend free of cost from 6pm onwards. pic.twitter.com/2LVMaz9roC
"The laser show should not be restricted to Central Park. In future, the government should organise such events in other locations as well," he said.
Food courts and other shops were also set up for the revellers. However, many complained that they could not attend the show despite coming on time and waiting in line.
