BHUBANESWAR: The festival of lights is here. “Thamasomaa jyotirgamaya” (Lead me from darkness to light) is a popular saying among Hindus. This is exemplified in the festivities of Diwali. The necessity of light to overcome darkness is felt the most during this day.
According to a seventh century sanskrit play, King Harsha mentions the term Deepapratipadutsava to address the lighting of lamps. In the ninth century, Kayvamimamsa and Rajasekhara referred Deepavali as Dipamalika. The tradition of cleaning houses, streets and markets was done on this night. A Persian traveller and historian Al biruni, in his 11th century memoir on India, wrote Deepavali being celebrated by Hindus on the new moon day of the Kartika month in Hindu calender.
Famous historian of the Mughal era Abul fazal depicts Diwali in the chapters ‘banik’, ‘alok jwalant’ and ‘akhyakrida’ of ain-e-akbari. According to him, Mughal emperors used to light small pot lamps in long bamboo posts to celebrate Diwali. Such equipment is preserved in the Baroda museum and picture gallery. Evidences suggest that Diwali was also celebrated during the rule of Chalukya dynasty. This is recorded in the play ‘Nagananda’ by king Harsha in the 7th century.
Twinkling oil lamps or diyas and firework displays are a common sight across the country on this day. Orissa Post interacted with some residents of the city to delve deeper into the subject.
Bishu Karmakar, an artisian and owner of a firecracker shop, said, “Odisha being an agricultural state needs to eliminate insects which are proliferated during Diwali. These insects destroy our harvests. Therefore, everyone should burst a cracker as it keeps those insects away.”
Amiya Parida, an official of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board, said, “Diwali should be observed in a state of moderation. This is because issues such as smog, littering and noise pollution among others are faced by citizens every year. Caring for the sensitivities of others should be a preference for revellers.”
Damainti Roopsagar Hemram, a resident of Patrapada, said, “What are these officials talking about? Shouldn’t we celebrate the age-old tradition of Diwali in a grand way? I would celebrate the festival with the same fervour and enthusiasm as my forefathers before me. However, I do agree that we should not hurt any animal or human during the celebrations.”
Environmentalist Jadunath Mangaraj said, “Only drunken people should be prohibited from celebrating Diwali. Bursting of crackers near hospitals, old-age homes and sensitive places should also be prohibited. Police Commissionerate and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) must deploy squads to watch out for unforeseen circumstances. As far as the environment is concerned, people must pour water over burnt crackers to save others from getting burnt. No person should throw burning crackers at trees or cowsheds as it may result in a deadly catastrophe”.
