Sir — This refers to the editorial, “The pollution explosion” (November 2). Now that Diwali’s haze is settling, one must wonder what we have given to ourselves and coming generations on this revered festival: Noise, toxic fumes, some fires and deaths, needless splurging on sweets, crazy shopping and shuffling of gifts, generally with some motive. We have made Diwali arguably the most polluting festival in the world. This is not how the festival came into being. In the earlier years, people celebrated it with fervour but not by causing harm to self and the environment. Today, Diwali has also become a reason to show-off.
Yes, there are nice bits but can’t this all be soberedIJ Indians must be proud that they have a rich culture that allows them to dissent and question without being punished, but isn’t it time that we accelerated the modification of traditions also, with more taste and innovationIJ This is not a thumbs-down to Diwali.