Diwali is over, but our cities have been left toxic and unbreathable. How exactly is bursting firecrackers a form of celebration? There is nothing wrong with lighting diyas, exchanging gifts, celebrating in the spirit of togetherness, or sharing meals with those who cannot afford them. Cooking delicious food at home and enjoying the festivities is beautiful. But what we are witnessing today is not celebration; it is the destruction of our lonely planet. This toxic smog makes life miserable for those who are noise-sensitive and those suffering from respiratory issues.
Every time these environmental concerns are raised, we are met with deflection: “Have you seen what happens during Eid in Bangladesh or Pakistan?” My point is simple: I am speaking about my fundamental right to breathe clean air in my own country and locality, where my immediate environment is being poisoned.
The AQI levels displayed last night and this morning do not even capture the true horror on the ground. Sadly, we now see a toxic competition among people to burst the most crackers. Parents drag their little children out to "enjoy" their valor in polluting the air. These are the very same parents who will later advise others to plant a Tulsi plant at home to "clean" the air. From tomorrow onwards, we will be flooded with both "spiritual" and "technical" guidance to protect ourselves from the pollution we just created. Babas will prescribe herbal soups and asanas, while corporate giants will sell us "healthier" alternatives like air purifiers. Meanwhile, prime-time TV distorters will blame farmers for burning parali (crop residue), but none of them will dare to tell the public: celebrate, but do not destroy.
This environmental apathy is not accidental; it is fueled by what the powers that be have developed into a "Hindutva economy." This is essentially a highly beneficial project for the Brahmin-Bania combine: one produces things to sell, and the other legitimizes them. This economy keeps the masses engaged 24/7 in activities directed from the top. Slowly, the citizens have been reduced to prajas (subjects), while the rulers have elevated themselves to Rajas. The country has been turned into a kingdom where the masses cheer for the king and his team. A kingdom is always busy celebrating something every other day. Even the poorest of the poor are forced to spend their meager money on these spectacles. The poor have their own priorities, but they are being manipulated into funding this endless carnival.
And the Diwali celebrations are still not over. Just a few days ago, we observed Karwa Chauth, and now comes Bhai Duj, followed by Govardhan Puja, culminating in Chhath Puja—which has now turned into an international spectacle. There is simply no respite for the environment, or for our lungs.
The root of the problem lies at the top. We know that people will celebrate, but when political leaders and self-proclaimed "conscience keepers" continue to provoke people to violate the law, this is the inevitable result. The Supreme Court issued clear guidelines that firecrackers could only be burst between 8 PM and 10 PM, and only "green" crackers were permitted. But is that actually happening? The judges themselves know well that their directives are bound to be flouted with impunity.
It is a sad, sad state of affairs. Nowhere in the civilized world are citizens allowed to destroy their environment, rivers, and forests in the name of culture and tradition as they are here. We have seen the resentment in the Western world against Indians for polluting rivers during idol immersions. We seem to have lost all sense of how we are destroying our own heritage.
I have always maintained that our mountains and rivers are our true heritage, not our concrete buildings. It is these mountains and rivers that give us life. Yet, we feel no shame in polluting them, falsely believing we can offset the damage by planting a couple of saplings in our balconies.
Our festivals are fundamentally celebrations of our linkages with nature. They embody the spirit of togetherness and community. Diwali is a festival of hope and enlightenment, celebrated not just by Hindus, but by Buddhists as well. Farmers in Maharashtra and Kerala celebrate it to mark the return of Raja Bali; in Ayodhya, it marks the return of Lord Rama from his 14-year *vanvas*; and many celebrate it as the killing of Narkasura by Lord Krishna. Every festival in India has numerous mythological linkages, but the core celebration is about sharing joy and lighting *diyas*. The firecracker industry is actively destroying the true spirit of Deepawali. It is time the government understands this and takes strict action to ensure it remains a festival of light, rather than being turned into one of darkness and smog.
May there be enlightenment everywhere. Let us become sensitive enough to understand the pain of those who suffer from noise and air pollution. Let us not destroy nature and invite disaster, but instead, enjoy life in complete harmony with the environment.
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*Human rights defender
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