Church people join call for safe Diwali

(November 4, 2010) Church people are urging the public not to use crackers during Diwali, the festival of lights, to save environment and health. “Diwali should be celebrated by lighting the surroundings and one should avoid crackers as it has harmful effects,” said Father Kuriala Chittattukalam, secretary of the Indian bishops’ Commission for Education and Culture. The priest said he supported some school children’s campaign for an eco-friendly Diwali. More than 500 students joined an anti-crackers rally in New Delhi on November 2 to sensitize people about the pollution caused by bursting crackers. This year, Diwali falls on November 5. Commending the students’ initiative, Father Kuriala said young people have become more conscious about environment and are “realizing the need of self control.” Jesuit Father Robert Athickal, founder director of the Tarumitra (friends of trees), a green group, said his organization has conducted a few rallies in November first week to stress the use of oil lamps during the festival instead of electric lights during Diwali. “There should be more festivity with less electricity,” said the priest and advised people not to contribute to air pollution. During Diwali, families light up oil lamps and burst crackers to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, besides conducting traditional worship. Every year, hundreds of fire accidents occur during the festival.