Diwali 2020 has been extremely special for Hindus world over because this was the first Diwali we celebrated after the last year's Supreme Court judgement paving way for the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya after battle of 492 years. The start of Ram Temple construction added to the joy of Diwali this year. And Yogi govt of UP did ensure that Diwali becomes special by lighting up over 6 lakhs oil diyas, thus making a Guiness World record, decking up the sacred city of Ayodhya in beautiful and majestic lighting.
However NGT (National Green Tribunal) dictate driven ban by many state govts (both BJP and non-BJP) across India on the crackers dampened the spirit of Hindus not only in India but also across the world. I am deeply disappointed sitting here in Bogota, Colombia even though I am not very fond of crackers and I am not directly affected by this ban.
It's not that we Hindus don't care for the environment, in fact we hindus care the most as ours is the lifestyle completely tuned with nature at its very core, it's not that we hindus like to go against the authorities, in fact we hindus are most law abiding citizens across the world, to the point of docility, it's not that cracker bursting is the only way to celebrate Diwali, in fact that's just one small part of this grand spiritual festival. What bothered us the most is that govts, and NGT wakes up only just before Diwali for the polution, and after banning it during Diwali, they just go into deep slumber doing nothing across the year. The same story has been repeating for many years. Diwali crackers can not be cause of pollution for India throughout the year. They why only ban Diwali crackers and why not tackle the issue in more holistic way?
Also there is trend that everyone from govts, to NGOs, to celebrities, to institutions and private organizations come and lecture us Hindus on all our festivals and our religious practices but stay mum on festivals of other religions and their practices. This has been going on for years now. Hindus have been observing this attitude silently.
This is now having spring effect on the Hindus, We were 'oppressed' and to certain extent we did let ourselves be oppressed but only to that extent. The spring is now releasing. Hindus are now seeing the intention behind. and as a result they are responding by resisting the cracker bans, by becoming aggressive in expressing their views, and by becoming assertive.
During Diwali, despite bans, people burnt crackers across the cities defying the authorities. NGT, govts should take note of this absurd ban and be rational in their approach. Else it will only make militant instincts prominents in the populace.
I wish this Diwali authorities have some sense and work on a year long holistic approach to the pollution menace. Hindus will happily help even by voluntarily giving up if they don't feel discriminated. And thus we can have greener world.
