New Delhi: Ahead of Diwali, several states have made a major decision to ban firecrackers due to the increase in coronavirus cases and pollution. However, considering how the explosion of firecrackers will cause a serious health problem in the midst of the pandemic, it is a wise decision. Also read: festivals are important, but no more than human life: SC dismisses the case against the ban on firecrackers in West Bengal
In particular, firecrackers release large amounts of harmful chemicals such as nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, which can have a severe impact on the respiratory health of vulnerable groups and can further aggravate the health status of positive people. to Covid-19.
Understanding its disastrous impacts, many have applauded the decision and vowed not to burst cookies. However, there were also others who opposed the move, saying the ban has hurt Hindu sentiments as firecrackers are an integral part of Diwali.
But are firecrackers really an integral part of Diwali?
Well, the answer is complicated. Diwali is “essentially” a festival of lights, but for decades, Indians have associated it with firecrackers. First, let’s go back to the origin of this festival. Deepavali, literally means a row of lights or lamps. Diwali is celebrated as it is believed that on this day Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and completing his 14 years of exile. To mark the joyous occasion, the citizens of Ayodhya decorated the entire city with clay lamps to signify the victory of light over darkness.
But there is not a single proof whether the Ayodhya people had burned fireworks upon the arrival of Lord Ram. However, there is strong biblical evidence that people turn on diyas. The burning of firecrackers is also not mentioned in the Ramayana or other scriptures.
“Firecrackers are not mentioned in the puranas at least. Firecrackers are known to have been first made in China. At least until 1000 AD, we do not find such references in our texts. So Diwali is called the festival of lights and not of sounds, ”author Anand Neelakantan, who has written many novels inspired by Hindu mythology, told Asian Age.
Firecrackers are actually a Chinese import
Firecrackers were first invented in China, sometime in the 7th century and later spread to other countries due to their popularity. The first evidence of the use of gunpowder for fireworks displays dates back to the Tang Dynasty in China during 700 AD. The Chinese believed that loud and explosive sounds and lights would drive away and scare off evil and notorious spirits.
The Arabs are believed to have brought gunpowder technology to India and Europe from China.
Over time, it took on the religious meaning of symbolizing the victory of good over evil and was also labeled alongside Diwali as well as other festivals. The cookie popping during Diwali gained more prominence with the emergence of Sivakasi as Fireworks Inc for India.
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