It has become a fashion now-a-days to come out with bizarre arguments by a section of ‘intellectuals’ to portray Hindu festivals as regressive, retrograde and antiquated. They go to the extent of campaigning as to why celebration of these festivals as per customs; they cite ecology, environment, communal harmony and what not.
Particularly, these intellectuals, masquerading as ‘activists’ would intensify this slander campaign during Deepavali, hell bent upon stigmatizing it in different ways. As a part of this effort, they target the younger generation and create an aversion in their minds about celebrating Deepavali as per Hindu custom.
Deepavali is one of the few festivals that is celebrated by Hindus across length and breadth of not only India, but worldwide. Hence, no wonder this festival is an eyesore for these intellectuals.
Instead of educating these intellectuals on our custom and the science behind celebrating it in the way, it is all the more important for Hindus to understand the importance of celebrating Deepavali by lighting lamps and bursting crackers. Hindus need to understand that Deepavali as a festival was always associated with the religious practice and it is not a mere show-off.
The custom of lighting of lamps and bursting of crackers is not a new phenomenon to Hindus. This custom is mentioned in the Puranas and Hindu scriptures and it was followed by Hindus since time immemorial. It is the belief of Hindus that the forebears who visit them during Mahalaya period would return to their heavenly abode during this period and hence it is considered our duty to light lamps and burst crackers to light their way back.
Hence, bursting of crackers is not a mere activity or meaningless ritual for Hindus, but has deeper meaning and sentiments associated with it.
The government on its part, should understand this and ensure that it does not violate the religious sentiments of Hindus. It may be appropriate to say that “celebrate Deepavali without crackers” is as good as (as bad as) saying “don’t celebrate Deepavali” as bursting of crackers is ordained and is essential to the festival.
While it is expected that an awareness amongst Hindus would be in order in the first place, it is also fair to expect the government to not to offend the religious sentiments of Hindus by issuing orders / guidelines contrary to Hindu sentiments.
Last but not the least, this ill-campaign by intellectuals has a socio-economic impact as well. Sivakasi, as is known, is the crackers capital of Bharat and more than 10 Lakh people depend on this for their livelihood. By imposing an order to ban crackers, government would not only hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus, but would also jeopardise the livelihood of lakhs of people. This may result in social unrest and pave way for anti-national elements to creep in with their malicious agenda of conversion and alienation.
Let Hindus make it loud and clear to those in power that bursting of crackers is inalienable to Deepavali celebration and hence are determined to celebrate Deepavali with crackers (which are made in India) to provide a fillip to Atma-Nirbhar campaign.
