Firecracker ban during festivals
Firecrackers banned during Diwali, Chhath, Jagaddhatri Puja and Guru Nanak’s birthday
Doctors have warned about the dangers that the smoke from firecrackers, which are extensively burnt during Kali Puja and Diwali, poses for coronavirus patients. Therefore, Calcutta High Court decided to ban completely for this year bursting of firecrackers, and not only during Kali Puja and Diwali but also during Chhath, Jagaddhatri Puja and Guru Nanak’s birthday. The court has given instructions for its decision to be implemented strictly by the state administration and the police.
Just like during Durga Puja, during Kali Puja, Jagaddhatri Puja and Kartik Puja too, the court has banned not only the entry of visitors to pandals but also instructed the creation of ‘no entry zones’ around them outside which visitors have to remain.
Environmentalists have over and over again emphasised on the aspect that let Diwali be a festival of lights and not of sound and smoke. Therefore, the judges also stressed on the point, and said that instead of firecrackers, people should celebrate the festival by lighting candles and lamps.
