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What’s in the News?
In October 2023, the highest court implemented a prohibition on the production and sale of all types of firecrackers, with the exception of environmentally friendly ‘green crackers‘ and those designed to emit reduced emissions, commonly known as ‘improved crackers.’
Additionally, the court imposed restrictions on manufacturing and sale of ‘joined crackers,’ referring to long rows of interconnected fireworks. Barium salts were also banned from use in fireworks, and the court mandated that noise levels of firecrackers must adhere to permissible limits..
Supreme Court on Monday (7th of November) also clarified that its order of banning the use barium and other banned chemical applies to the entire country and not just just the National Capital Region.
Now, let’s delve into the topic: Is burning firecrackers a ritual?
To clarify whether it is or not, with proper proof, lets explore the dialogue that took place between J. Sai Deepak in a cultural program.
“What comes before Deepawali?”
You have the Shradha Period, the Mahalaya Paksha, then you have Diwali and the comes the Karthika Masam. And you will find parallel to this structure or tradition even in China. So What are you doing during the Shradha Period or during the Mahalaya Peiod ? The understanding is – Your ancestors have come and you’re supposed to feed them, that is what effectively you do. They have come and now they have to go back. They don’t know the way. You light the Sky, for them to find the way – their way back to the heavens. There are Scripture, after Scripture that says, that this is to be done. It’s called AKASHA DEEPAM.
Conclusion
“Now that we have learned from Sai Deepak’s dialogue that burning firecrackers is considered a ritual, the current circumstances require us to celebrate Diwali in a way that doesn’t lead to environmental problems. It is advisable to use green crackers legally instead of using banned chemical crackers illegally.