- Indian citizens always look forward to the later part of the year as the season is dotted with a slew of festivals ushering in great revelry, happiness, and a general feeling of well-being. As it is India is known to celebrate several festivals around the year, but there is no denying that September to December months certainly are anticipated with great excitement. The very mention of Diwali or Deepavali evokes tremendous enthusiasm everywhere as the festival of lights has a uniqueness unparalleled in the country’s several other festivals. The inherent meaning associated with the festival of lights – conquering darkness through the lighting of lamps – instinctively conveys positivity. No wonder, people from all walks of life look forward to Deepavali with bated breath.
PC: Lucknow
- However, Deepavali has also assumed synonymity with the bursting of crackers over the years. And the decibel levels along with the accompanying pollution have reached stratospheric heights cannot be denied either. Especially in northern parts of India, with the winter setting in also heralds unprecedented pollution headaches exacerbated by crackers bursting. We know how stubble burning in some northern states only adds to the pollution conundrum. Of course, concerted efforts from all stakeholders have succeeded in creating awareness about clean Deepavali with lots of emphasis being laid on green crackers, whatever it is. Expectedly and rightly, traditionalists are questioning the environmentalists on embracing green/clean Deepavali.
- Against this backdrop, in a petition pleading for lifting Delhi-NCR’s firecracker ban, a Supreme Court bench responded – spend your money on sweets… let people breathe clean air. Very pithy, and very Deepavali tradition friendly. But just as crackers attack our auditory and respiratory health, sugar is a great enemy across multiple health fronts too. And unlike in the case of pollution, Indians barely recognise the dangers of sugar: not just quick weight gain but diabetes and cardiac illness. Not to rail against the festive spirit or badmouth the delectable confections that mark Deepavali, but India’s sweet tooth leaves very ugly marks on its public health. Mind you, India is anointed with the dubious distinction of being the diabetes capital of the world.
PC: APURVA VISHWANATH
- Further, politicians, who can’t celebrate success without laddoos, don’t help by propping up a hugely inefficient sugar economy, in part because the patronage network is so sweet for them. Our desi sugar daddies are proud that India is now the world’s largest producer, consumer, and second-largest exporter of sugar – but our expanding waistlines and threatened lifelines tell another story. Data shows we eat too much carbs and sugar and too little fruits and veggies. Did someone mention what is a healthy lifestyle? We sorely lack that culture of eating in moderation, exercising, and adequate rest that essays an important role in keeping us healthy. Rather than spend money on crackers, why not spend on fruit & veggies? Happy and healthy Deepavali.
