On this Diwali festival say no to crackers, this is how we all have celebrated Diwali in our schools. But the truth is we burn crackers on every Diwali which led to the increase in pollution and evoked problems for many Asthma patients and old age persons. In the wake of this pollution problem, Supreme Court banned crackers on this Diwali in the capital city of India. Recently Supreme Court announced the ban against firecrackers during Diwali in Delhi-NCR that has received a lot of flak. In the whole discourse of the firecrackers ban, many believe that firecrackers are the essential part of Hindu culture and ethos. So, to ban them is a spank to our culture.
However, let me tell you this sad truth that firecrackers have never been a part of Hindu festival or culture. According to the firecrackers history, they were first invented in China during the 7th century and later outspread to other countries like India and European countries. So, the crackers are actually a Chinese import, not the Indian concept. During the 700 CE, the first evidence of gunpowder was used for the fireworks display dates back to Tang Dynasty in China.
In India, this practice of gunpowder fireworks was first used by the Mughals to entertain the royals and the Kings. And then it becomes the religious significance for Hindus to celebrate victory and happiness. Somehow burning crackers have also got the tag for Diwali. And Hindus started believing that it is the essential part of Diwali celebration.
Why we celebrate Diwali?
Diwali is the festival that celebrates to mark the return of Rama to Ayodhya after completing his 14 years of exile and defeating evil Ravana. And it is believed that Rama comeback to Ayodhya marks the joyous occasion, as the citizens of Ayodhya enlightens the whole city with Diyas to signify the victory of light over darkness. And later on, bursting crackers became the Hindu culture.
