The Festival of Lights: A Historical and Modern Perspective
Diwali, often referred to as the “Festival of Lights,” holds a deeply rooted place in Indian culture. This five-day celebration symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Diwali’s essence lies in the shared joy of illumination, unity, and renewal.
However, over time, the traditional symbolism of Diwali has been overshadowed by modern practices that pose significant challenges to society and the environment. The joyous celebration of light has gradually morphed into a festival of noise and pollution. Firecrackers, once a minor part of the festivities, have taken center stage, causing a plethora of problems that contradict the festival’s core values.
From Light to Noise: The Shift in Diwali’s Celebrations
The commercialisation of Diwali plays a significant role in this transformation. The firecracker industry, worth billions of rupees, thrives on aggressive marketing and cultural conditioning that equates firecrackers with joy and grandeur. Social norms and peer pressure further perpetuate this practice, as families and communities compete to outdo each other with extravagant displays. Unfortunately, this comes at a significant cost to health, safety, and the environment.
The Story of Aloo
And here is where we meet Aloo. Diwali 2024, the city of Mumbai is a buzz with festivities. Shoppers and families welcome a new year and celebrations are around every corner. But the street dogs of Mumbai, the birds, and the minimal wildlife and animals we share our city with suffer- immensely.
This is how Aloo, our young old man, who loves to wander on a dark and frightening noise filled night lost his way.Imagine a senior dog frightened by abnormally loud sounds, he beings to run. Soon he looses his way and is in unfamiliar territory. He finds himself in a garden inhabited by a number of dogs and cats, who are welcoming and take him into their pack. Days go by and he seemingly settles in.
He finds himself in a garden inhabited by a number of dogs and cats, who are welcoming and take him into their pack. Days go by and he seemingly settles in.
The gentlest dog who gets along with people, pets & his family of cats and dogs, we are asking for your help to get him home. If you recognise him please contact us.
In the 3 months he’s been at Hanging Gardens he’s found his way to the High Court, Worli Sea Face & the Coastal Road.
The Dark Side of Diwali for Pets and Animals
For pets and animals, Diwali’s noise and chaos turn the festival of light into a time of immense distress. The deafening sound of firecrackers—which can exceed 150 decibels—is far beyond the tolerance levels of most animals. Dogs, with their acute sense of hearing, experience intense fear and anxiety during this time. Symptoms include trembling, excessive barking, loss of appetite, and even attempts to flee their homes in search of safety.
Stray animals, often overlooked in this discussion, bear the brunt of this cruelty. With no secure place to hide, they are left to navigate a cacophony of explosions, bright lights, and human activity. This chaos can lead to injuries from firecrackers, road accidents, or even deliberate acts of harm by misguided individuals.
A Grim Statistic: Animals Go Missing During Diwali
Each year, countless pets and stray animals go missing during Diwali. Estimates suggest that in major Indian cities, animal shelters and rescue organizations report a 20-30% spike in cases of lost pets around the festival. For example, in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, animal helplines receive hundreds of distress calls during this period. While precise national data is scarce, anecdotal evidence highlights the dire need for awareness and preventive measures.
The emotional toll on pet owners who lose their companions during this time is profound. Families are left heartbroken, while the animals themselves endure untold suffering, often unable to find their way back home amidst the chaos.
The Environmental and Health Costs of Firecrackers
The repercussions of firecracker usage extend beyond animals, affecting human health and the environment. Firecrackers release a toxic cocktail of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which linger in the air for days. These pollutants contribute to severe air quality deterioration, particularly in urban areas where population density is high.
Studies have shown that air pollution levels during Diwali can spike by 30-40%, leading to a sharp increase in respiratory ailments. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are particularly vulnerable. The impact isn’t limited to short-term health issues; prolonged exposure to poor air quality has long-term consequences, including reduced lung function and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Mental and Physical Toll on Animals
While the environmental and human health impacts of Diwali are well-documented, the mental and physical torture endured by animals often goes unnoticed. The constant barrage of noise creates a state of panic in animals, leading to erratic behavior. Many dogs and cats develop noise phobias, which can have lasting psychological effects. Strays, already struggling to survive, are left even more vulnerable during this period.
Physical injuries are another grim reality. Firecrackers cause burns, eye injuries, and even fatalities among animals. Cases of firecrackers being tied to animals—a horrifying act of cruelty—are reported every year, highlighting the darker side of human behavior during this time.
Illuminating a Path Forward
Diwali is a celebration of light, joy, and togetherness. However, its modern iteration has drifted away from these values, causing harm to animals, the environment, and human health. By adopting mindful and compassionate practices, we can restore the festival’s true essence and ensure it remains a time of positivity for all living beings. Let’s make this Diwali not just a festival of lights but also a beacon of hope, kindness, and sustainability. The festival of light does not have to be a time of darkness and dread for animals, the elderly, the ill, noise sensitive and a myriad other conditions which turn the days of Diwali hellish for so many.
If we needed some inspiration, look to this Italian village, they prove it is possible to keep traditions and update them to include all the members (human and animal) in a community.
