How Did Bursting Firecrackers As Part Of Diwali Celebration Came Into Being

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While on the one side concerned citizens bright up awareness about the decline of environmental health every single minute other side complains that ‘the fun of Diwali’ is lost with the ban of firecrackers by the Supreme Court in 2018. ‘It just a one-day celebration’ to mark the joyous return of Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana one must say. But did you know that a surge in fumes due to Diwali crackers took Delhi’s overall air quality to the emergency level of nearly 1,000 which is about 40 times the safe limit in just one day celebration in 2018 alone? So, are we willing to sacrifice the air that we breathe for a practise that has never been ours? (Photo credit: PTI)

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The hazardous practise of bursting firecrackers on Diwali have never been a part of the Indian culture. (Photo credit: PTI)

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Firecrackers were first invented in China around the 7th century with the first evidence of gunpowder being used for fireworks display that dates back to the Tang dynasty in China during 700 CE.  (Photo credit: PTI)

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The Chinese believed that loud bursting sounds and lights of the fireworks would ward off evil and notorious spirits away--a custom which soon spread to other parts of the world, including India. (Photo credit: PTI)

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By 16th century, fireworks had become one of the major sources of entertainment for Indian royalty. In 1609, Adil Shah is believed to have spent a whopping Rs 80,000 on fireworks alone. (Photo credit: PTI)

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The use of fireworks eventually gained popularity with the royals and the kings and religious significance including Diwali. (Photo credit: PTI)