Sheding negative practices is Hinduism’s Great Strength.

As the celebrations of Diwali come to an end in Delhi the consequences of massive fireworks is coming to light. The streets of Delhi must be covered in the debris left from the firecrackers. The smell of the exploded firecrackers will linger for some time.
Delhi is the world’s most polluted city and the firecrackers has made it worse. The air quality has gone 10 times higher than considered healthy by World Health body. Tens of thousands of people suffer from respiratory problems as well as many other ailments due to the pollution in Delhi. It is estimated that 10,000 people die premature deaths due to the air quality in Delhi.
But it is not only human beings who suffer. The animals are absolutely petrified by the noise of firecrackers.
While the average hearing frequency range for a human is between 20 Hz- 20,000 Hz pets can hear frequencies at a whopping 45,000 Hz- 67,000 Hz. So for pets the decibel levels of firecrackers would be unbearable. Domestic animals suffer psychological trauma, panic and noise phobia. Dogs and horses can also suffer from tinnitus and hearing loss. Birds, squirrels and frogs too suffer from firecracker explosions. Fireworks can cause birds to fly out of their nests in fear never to return. According to RSPCA around 7868 cats and 9023 dogs would have suffered from fireworks in the 6 mile radius of where I live.
The other serious problem with fireworks is the disturbance it causes to our neighbours. There are reports coming in of complaints from residents regarding late night fireworks. It leaves a negative image of the Hindu community which would be a tragedy as we are seen as good citizens. The last thing we want is for them to say,’ they are all the same’. All the goodwill we have built will be lost in a jiffy.
Another unpleasant thing is to come out on the streets with car horns blaring if India wins a cricket match. It is an inconsiderate action which does not win us many friends. This has to stop and community and religious organisations must be proactive in stopping such activities.
Fireworks were banned in Delhi but some Hindus have taken this ban as an example of bias against Hindus. Reforms are an integral part of Hinduism. If something is causing so much damage to our well being than there is no need to see a conspiracy against Hindus.
When Lord Rama came to Ayodhya people lit lamps. There is no mention of fireworks. It is an unwanted add on.
The same is true of burning the effigy of Ravana. Ravana is described as a very learned man whose depth of knowledge was legendary. As he lay dying Lord Rama sent Lakshmana to Ravana to hear pearls of wisdom from him. Who are we than to burn his effigy? It is an act which is in complete contrast to Hindu ethos and values based on Ahimsa, respect and gentleness.
Let us resolve not to have fireworks or effigy burning as part of Hindu Dharma.
Nitin Mehta
www.nitinmehta.co.uk
22 October 2025.