THIS DIWALI ILLUMINATE YOUT PERSPECTIVE: KRITI R K JAIN

THIS DIWALI ILLUMINATE YOUT PERSPECTIVE: KRITI R K JAIN

9-NOV-ENG 3

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------This Diwali, illuminate your perspective—not the sky—and give the festival a new, deeper meaning. A true celebration is one that brings a smile to every living being. What kind of Diwali is it if someone’s eyes are filled with tears because of it? On the night of Diwali, while some celebrate with the loud bursts of firecrackers, for others, these very sounds become a source of terror. A single firecracker exploding in the sky can force a child to cower in their mother’s arms, cause distress to someone with a heart condition, keep the elderly awake all night, and drive voiceless animals to hide beneath furniture.

This often-overlooked pain caused by celebrations is shifting the mindset in our cities. People are beginning to realize that it is not necessary to compromise the peace of others for the sake of one’s own joy. This is why some families are choosing the gentle glow of earthen lamps (diyas), the company of loved ones, and a peaceful night over the din of firecrackers. The growing trend of a "Silent Diwali" reflects this new sensitivity. It is more than just abstaining from firecrackers; it is a social initiative rooted in empathy—understanding the suffering of others and respecting their need for peace.

In our cities, the ever-increasing noise makes tranquility a rare commodity. From the early hours of the day, the constant blare of horns, the clatter of construction work, the commotion of marketplaces, and the persistent pings of mobile notifications leave our ears with no respite. On Diwali, firecrackers further exacerbate noise pollution. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, nighttime noise levels should not exceed 45 decibels in residential areas and 40 decibels in "silent zones." Yet, on the night of Diwali, these levels often soar to between 70 and 90 decibels in cities like Delhi, Pune, and Ghaziabad. In Delhi’s Karol Bagh, a level of 93.5 decibels was recorded during Diwali. A single, powerful firecracker can generate noise ranging from 140 to 160 decibels.

The noise of the firecrackers may eventually cease, but its impact on the body and mind lingers long after. Noise pollution is invisible, yet it causes deep-seated harm. For young children, whose auditory systems are still developing, and for the elderly or those with heart conditions, sudden, loud explosions can be particularly distressing. Medical studies link excessive noise to an increase in stress hormones, sleep disruption, and cardiovascular risks. Animals and birds are also affected; pets like dogs and cats may hide in fear, while birds, startled by the noise, often flee their roosts. After all, how can one person’s celebration take precedence over the health, sleep, and peace of mind of others?

True change occurs when people alter their behavior—not out of fear of regulations, but out of empathy for the suffering of others. In recent years, resident groups in several neighborhoods across Pune have chosen to celebrate a "quiet Diwali." Some were moved by the distress of pets, others by the plight of patients in hospitals, or by the sight of children covering their ears amidst the deafening blasts. In certain villages in Tamil Nadu, Diwali has been celebrated without firecrackers for decades, specifically to protect the local bird population.

The lockdown helped cities rediscover the value of quiet. Streets fell silent, traffic came to a halt, and the persistent, long-standing din suddenly subsided. People realized that silence is not merely the absence of noise, but a fundamental necessity for life. The experience of staying indoors also fostered a greater awareness of mental well-being. Directives from the Supreme Court provided a framework for this shift, establishing rules regarding the use of firecrackers, time restrictions, and the introduction of "green" (eco-friendly) firecrackers; however, the most meaningful change is being driven by the decisions made within individual families.

A quiet Diwali can restore to our cities the tranquility that has been lost in the race for development. Imagine a scene where the elderly can sit on their verandas without anxiety, patients living near hospitals can sleep peacefully, children can listen to stories told by their grandparents, and pets no longer have to hide in terror from loud explosions. Such a scene is no less celebratory than any grand, boisterous event. Yet, the path toward this change is not easy. The firecracker trade, market pressures, the allure for children, and deep-seated habits often draw people back to old ways. Compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives is only possible when citizens also recognize their own responsibilities. The true essence of Diwali lies not in loud explosions, but in the smiles of those who find peace and comfort on this night.