Diwali is one of the most awaited holidays in Hindu culture. This event represents the festival of lights that brings people in India, Fiji, Nepal, Singapore, and other parts of the world together. However, Indian authorities decided to limit the ways citizens can enjoy this old festivity due to pollution concerns. As a consequence, Indians won’t have their firecracker shows this year.
Numerous People Grew Accustomed to Having Their Own Firecracker Shows on Diwali
On Monday, the Supreme Court in India ruled a ban on sales of fireworks in New Delhi. This decision comes only ten days before people start celebrating the festival of lights, Diwali. This Hindu day celebrates Lord Rama. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. People are contributing to one of the busiest shopping periods of the year in their attempt to renew their wardrobe, offer gifts, and adorn their homes, streets, and temples with all sorts of lights.
One of the markets that usually enjoy great profits during this period is the firecracker one. Diwali is a great occasion for many people to organize their own firecracker shows that are full of color, sparks, and great noises.
However, authorities view this street tradition from a different angle. They fear that lighting fireworks add up to the country’s issue with air pollution. Therefore, the Supreme Court ordered a ban on such products until 1 November. This year, the festival falls on 18 October.
India Recorded One of the Most Concerning Cases of Air Quality in the World
The decision is more of a test. Officials intend to discover whether banning firecrackers is enough to improve air quality on Diwali’s night. At the moment, India is dealing with one of the worst worldwide cases of air pollution.
Last year, Indians lived after Diwali in extremely toxic conditions. The capital especially was engulfed in smog. This human-made phenomenon prompted authorities to close schools for three days. They also shut down a power plant and stopped work on construction sites temporarily.
The ruling is valid immediately and will end on 1 November. However, those who already purchased such entertaining devices won’t suffer any consequences for firing them on Diwali. On the other hand, the Supreme Court encouraged people not to have any firecracker shows anymore this year.
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