Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every year in autumn in the northern hemisphere (spring in southern hemisphere). One of the major festivals of Hinduism, it spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.

Its celebration includes millions of lights shining on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings in the communities and countries where it is observed.

The festival preparations and rituals typically extend over a five-day period, but the main festival night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika in Bikram Sambat calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, Diwali night falls between mid-October and mid-November.

In Jagannath culture, Diwali assumes importance as the most sacred festival. Thousands of devotees go to the shrine place Puri and in the temple’s 22 stairs they call to their forefathers.

Oh! Our forefathers come in darkness and go in light go to the Ganga, Gaya, Kasi and taking the Mahaprasad, roll down on the 22 stairs. They are calling only for the salvation of their forefathers.

Deepavali means deepa which stands for dyate gyana (giving knowledge) khayata papa (Taking vice). This is the most purification of body mind and spirit in the sacred day and night. The religious significance of Deepavali varies regionally within India, depending on the school of Hindu philosophy, regional beliefs, legends, and beliefs.

Hindus across the world celebrate Diwali in honor of the return of lord Rama, his wife Site and his brother lakshmana from exile of 14 years after Rama defeated Ravana. To honor the return of lord Rama, Sita and lakshmana from lanka and to illuminate their path, villagers light diyas. For some, Diwali also celebrates the return of Pandavas after 12 years of exile and one year of “Agyatavas” in the Mahabharata. Furthermore, it is linked to the celebration of lakshmi, who is venerated amongst Hindus as the goddess of wealth and prosperity being the wife of lord Vishnu. The 5-day festival of Diwali begins on the day Goddess lakshmi was born from the churning of cosmic ocean of milk by the Devas (gods) and the Asuras (demons); while the night of Diwali is the day lakshmi chose Vishnu as her husband and they were married. Along with lakshmi, devotees make offerings to Ganesha, who symbolizes ethical beginning and fearless remover of obstacles; Saraswati, who embodies music, literature and learning and Kubera, who stands for wealths.

Crackers are very harmful for health. They not only cause air pollution but also create noise pollution. Crackers are injurious to senior citizens and children's health. They are not only injurious to humans but also for other beings such as animals and birds. Animals whose ears are more sensitive such as dogs and cats get afraid and often lose their hearing ability. Crackers often lead to temporary or permanent deafness in humans. Hence, crackers free Diwali is most welcome.

Air pollution goes up by 50 per cent during Diwali in India. This atmosphere causes harmful effect to one's overall health. People suffering from lung and respiratory illness like asthma are at an increased risk of health complications, especially during this time.

Noise pollution is as dangerous as the air pollution. Noise pollution is also one of the harmful effects of crackers on health.

The oxides and dioxides of sulphur and nitrogen are released during the burning of crackers. These are very much harmful to human health and also to the environment around us. Hence, cracker explosions cause global warming.

After Diwali the main problem that comes to our sight is the garbage lying on the roads. During Diwali, cases of burning crop up. Hence fire crackers not only injure us, even also kill us. If crackers are not fired properly they might cause wounds on the parts of body. In many cases, children have lost their lives or have lost their eyesight by not lifting the crackers properly.

On the other hand, one can also celebrate Dewali by having a get-together with relatives and friends and sharing light and warm moments with them.

(The writer is a research scholar in Jagannath cult and culture. M-9438097732)