Why these youngsters have given up bursting crackers

For 21-year-old Raghav Chaudhary, Diwali once signified weeks of anticipation in planning which firecrackers to burst with his cousin. However, an injury sustained from a close encounter with a cracker that burned his cheek and eye altered his perspective on the festival. The smoke, pollution, and noise gradually made him question the practice, leading him to realize the dangers and waste associated with bursting crackers. Now, he appreciates Diwali for spending time with family and seeing his siblings.

Similarly, 24-year-old MBA student Nikhil Shinde's relationship with Diwali changed after a childhood burn. His parents also stopped supporting firecrackers following his injury, and now the family celebrates with lights, sweets, and food. Shinde is concerned about the environmental impact, including air and noise pollution, as well as the harm caused to animals.

Tanvi More, a 23-year-old computer science student, was also deterred by a childhood incident where sparks flew into her eye. She has been against crackers for years, citing the temporary enjoyment versus the long-term damage. More believes that the benefits of cracker celebrations are short-lived, while the negative consequences are long-lasting.

Twenty-year-old Shreya Singh's decision stems from the impact on people and animals, as well as the environmental harm caused by cracker pollution and litter. She rejects the argument that opposing firecrackers means giving up private vehicles, advocating for a complete ban on crackers. Singh also criticizes politicians for supporting traditional Diwali celebrations while their supporters engage in excessive cracker bursting.

Mohammed Hussain, 22, stopped using crackers in his early teens due to the noise and pollution, influenced by his teachers' education on environmental importance. He now celebrates Diwali in a peaceful and sustainable manner, finding it difficult to enjoy fireworks even at public events, as he counts the environmental and health consequences of each burst.