Diwali: will lights guide us home?

Every year, Delhi unwillingly re-enacts Mad Max’s epic dust storm. Thankfully, the plight of the millions living in this gas chamber hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Every year, Delhi unwillingly re-enacts Mad Max’s epic dust storm. People actually advise you to not go for a morning walk. Rightfully, illegal stubble burning has become a burning topic nationally. And to top it all off, we have Diwali, the Festival of Lights that has low-key turned into a way to detect asthma. Thankfully, the plight of the millions living in this gas chamber hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Light Show at Connaught Place

The bright, moving sparks that mesmerised us every Diwali have evolved. Rising health and environmental concerns have evolved these lights from polluting firecrackers to a pretty awesome laser show. Delhi Govt., embracing the spirit of one big community, is organising a mega Delhi laser show. Culture, friends, family, yummy food, isn’t that what Diwali is all about? Read more.

When: 6:00PM – 10:00PM, 26th – 29th October

Where: Central Park, Connaught Place

Green Fireworks

Most of us know firecrackers are tremendously polluting and dangerous but somehow the unpredictable gap between the flash and the bang has kept many going back to the adrenaline inducing firecrackers. Green crackers, emitting 30% less emissions, have finally cracked down on the industry. Firecrackers sellers have reported 70%, in some cases, 90% reduction in sales. Higher price and limited accessibility has curbed demand.

Air not as bad but still bad

The cultural shift around Diwali and demand for clean air has spurted within the last five years. Despite air pollution having its roots in politics, action is not missing. Authorities are expecting Diwali to not be as toxic as last year but the AQI will remain in the ‘very poor’ category till October 29.

You can read about the initiatives taken to control the smog here – Delhi’s Smog Snog. But, the key thing to remember is – we’re not living in a post-apocalyptic world like Mad Max yet, we have to keep it that way.