A silent diwali

Its that time of the year again, when birds, whatever little left of them in cities just vanish from the skies...stray dogs go underground..cattles are taken to safe houses..and people soundproof their dwellings with whatever possible available stuff. Its almost like a war zone and at this rate, in few more years, people might build underground bunkers to stay during Diwali. Its fast becoming a festival which people dread instead of enjoying.

Diwali used to be the king of festivals, especially for kids. There used to be competitions between streets as to whose street is more dirtier. It used to be fun. Somewhere, over time, bursting cracker has lost its sheen. Is it because i have matured and is no longer interested in it or have i become cost conscious (considering the hundreds which has to be paid for a single packet of any bombs..atrocious!!) I dont think its latter because even if i get crackers for free, i somehow dont feel like bursting any at all. I goto the nearby orphanage and share the crackers with them. Naan vedicha satham matum vara vedila avanga vedikarachay santhoshamum varuthay..antha oru kaaranam poraatha :)
But how did something which i used to love so much lost its importance..without even me realising?

One thing for sure is the sound. My god..each year its increasing so much and god knows how they do it!! Soon Indian army might consider inducting bombs directly from Sivakasi!! These guys make it sound so authentic that half the time i pray its some kid bursting cracker than something more sinister. I don't think how much ever legal restrictions are applied this can ever be stopped. So people have taken steps to nip it in the bud. Schools have started preaching the wastage and harmful effects of bursting crackers and poor brainwashed kids even come out carrying slogans against the cracker manufacturers. Though the point gets conveyed, rather strongly, they unknowingly deprive the kids of the joy of bursting crackers. Yes. I still can't convince myself to totally put a blanket ban on bursting. I think anything done at a moderate level is enjoyable. May be we can selectively ban certain type of crackers like

Bombs!! Serious stuff. No second thoughts.
All "wallaas" be it 10,100 or 1000 and above. That nonstop noise drives me crazy.
Bijilis. The way kids light these up and threw it in air...these are the most dangerous. Some of them even find their way inside the living room!!!
And those which emnates smoke like "Saattais". I have a heart patient at home and i find it terrifying to watch them suffer from loss of breath.

Instead..the manufacturers can divert their creativity in making different kinds of flower pots. There used to be parachute..train and variety of crackers. Not sure if they are still there. They can invent more interesting crackers like this and also ensuring a control on smoke emitted from these. I would love to see more and more varieties of rockets and similar crackers. In short i would love diwali to be a night festival where people can watch all their patti mandrams and megahit superhit movies in peace, visit their relatives during the day and happily light up the night sky.

I want the best of both. I hate the noise and smoke..but still i wouldnt want kids to miss out on the joy part of it. The reasons i have highlighted here might all be selfish but i hope the point gets through :)

Happy diwali folks. May this diwali be such that, we can walk out on the streets, without fear of walking into a landmine or boobytrap and greet our friends and neighbours. Its after all the festival of joy :)