The Beauty and the Beast

(Image Courtesy - The Hindu)

(Image Courtesy - The Hindu)

October is the month of festivals, and the most prominent one is Deepavali or Diwali. The festival of lights is also a celebration of sweets and crackers. As a child, I eagerly awaited the Diwali sweets, sold in a cardboard box adorned with festive designs. Inside, there were sweets of various colours, Mysore Pak, and, besides the usual yellow ones, differently coloured laddus. In those days, Deepavali celebrations were more focused on lights rather than crackers. Light-based festivities were always peaceful and visually appealing. Over the years, the manner of celebration changed. Crackers became an essential part of the festivities. Living in an Indian state that is a major producer of firecrackers, a Deepavali without them seems unthinkable. Sivakasi district in Tamil Nadu produces nearly 90% of the firecrackers sold nationwide.

Additionally, there are illegal cracker-making units in the state, often called country-made firework units, which flout safety measures and sometimes employ minors. The public, unaware of the health risks, buys these crackers. One such incident occurred in Avadi on October 20, 2025, where four people died in an explosion at a house storing country-made firecrackers. Handling explosives is inherently risky. Firecracker factories should possess valid licenses and follow safety procedures, such as having fire extinguishers and trained staff.

Like any festival, Deepavali should be celebrated with respect for its core philosophy—the triumph of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil. The festival is also linked to the well-being of the universe. Light symbolises knowledge and wisdom. Doing good to others and the world around us is at the heart of the festival. As inhabitants of this planet, we share a responsibility to keep it unspoiled for future generations. Efforts to reduce pollution through eco-friendly green crackers have not been widespread, partly due to a lack of awareness among sellers and residents. It is challenging to verify green crackers, as they often lack official logos and QR codes for authenticity. Developed by CSIR-NEERI in 2018, these crackers aim to cut air and noise pollution, contain no harmful chemicals, and produce less particulate matter. However, shopkeepers are often reluctant to promote them. Experts argue that bursting green crackers does not truly benefit the environment, as they also emit ultra-fine particles that can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream.

On October 20th at 8 pm, we were travelling from Chennai Central to our home in Avadi. The streets were filled with Chennaites celebrating Diwali. Some of them were bursting crackers right in the middle of the road. The cab driver had to manoeuvre the vehicle through this crowd and keep a close eye on the smog-filled roads. It was sad to see people riding motorbikes through these streets without masks or facial protection. Some of them had infants and young children with them. These sights are fine examples of how the festival frenzy blinded public wisdom. More than 100 people were hospitalised in Bhopal due to injuries after using calcium carbide guns during Deepavali. The so-called "carbide gun" or "desi firecracker gun" has become a nightmare for parents and doctors. In just three days, more than 122 children across Madhya Pradesh have been admitted to hospitals with severe eye injuries, while 14 have lost their eyesight. 

Delhi ranks among the world's most polluted cities. Data analysts and pollution monitors focus closely on air quality and noise levels during Deepavali night and the following day. Creating policies to control pollution is one task, but their implementation is another. A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has highlighted several issues, including missing data. Monitoring sensors are often placed under tree cover, behind walls or other obstructions, or in less-polluted areas. In worst cases, the equipment was turned off overnight. Officially, authorities deny significant pollution, yet Delhi residents with asthma report serious health problems. The city faces multiple climate-related issues, including stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and industrial pollution, compounded by vehicle restrictions. Regarding noise pollution monitoring, technology has become a spectacle. Real-time data from sensors must be taken seriously and not lost within bureaucratic and political complexities.