This is that time of the year when the sound-control watchdogs come out in the open. Police prise open ‘suspicious-looking’ cargo, follow trails and generally keep a wary watch on all the roadside stalls that sell fireworks. The wholesale markets teem with sleuths, and some say there are incentives to earn if targeted numbers are caught with crackers.
For many a soul, Kali Puja is synonymous with burst of crackers and display of lights across the sky. One without the other is like a groom without the bride. To the best of my knowledge, nowhere in the world is the display of fireworks without sound of crackers. The fact that we hear crackers not only during Kali Puja, but also on other days when, for example, India wins a cricket match, testifies to our readiness to so celebrate momentous occasions.
20 tons of fireworks explode over Sydney’s Harbour Bridge
and Opera House, watched by millions. [Picture source]
Given our propensity to overdo things without much thought and not caring larger sentiments, it is no surprise that banning sound-evolving crackers hasn’t worked though nearly a decade has passed since. Personally, I do not approve of high-decibel crackers. But certainly, lower decibels can indeed be allowed.
The moot point is we as a whole rarely enjoy an occasion in unison. Those who fervently wish a silent diwali may be surprised to know that fireworks displays in many countries are highly popular and eagerly-awaited events. Look no further than this site, which lists worldwide fireworks display events up to 2007.
You may feel enthused that there is an annual event – in May every year – called Rhine in Flames – Nights of Bengal Fire, in which “the red fluorescent Bengal Fire lights the way downstream for a fleet of more than 60 decorated and illuminated ships along a 26 km stretch – the longest stretch of any Rhine in Flames spectacle.”
The jury is still out on whether a silent diwali is more enjoyable than one which is not. Let’s hope the silent brigade learns a lesson or two on how to enjoy and spread joy. Meanwhile, do enjoy the video clip below, cracker or no cracker.
How many decibels?
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