A call for conscious celebration

As Diwali, the festival of lights, approaches, millions across India prepare to celebrate with joy and reverence.

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The charm of new attire, brightly decorated homes, and mouth-watering sweets imbues this time with excitement. Yet, amidst these traditions, the loud, smoky spectacle of firecrackers has grown to be synonymous with Diwali. While they bring a temporary thrill, firecrackers are increasingly casting a shadow on both our health and the environment, and it's time we reevaluate their role in this cherished festival.

Firecrackers may seem like harmless fun, yet their potential dangers extend far beyond fleeting entertainment. Unlike cigarette packs that prominently display health warnings, firecrackers rarely reveal the hazardous chemicals hidden within. Beneath their glittery packaging lies a cocktail of charcoal fuel, oxidizers, reducers, and heavy metals like aluminum, copper, and strontium. When ignited, these materials create not just vibrant colors but a dangerous medley of pollutants that linger in the air, unfiltered and inhaled by all.