Balmukund Acharya, MLA, insisted on lighting crackers during Diwali, a Hindu festival, despite state bans, as they hold religious significance.
Balmukund Acharya, MLA, insisted on lighting crackers during Diwali, a Hindu festival, despite state bans, as they hold religious significance.

The country is beginning to feel the festive spirit of Diwali, yet various states have implemented rules to control the use of fireworks during the celebrations. MLA Balmukund Acharya also shared his perspectives regarding the firecracker ban. He stated that in cases where the health issue is severe, the prohibition of firecrackers is justified. Furthermore, he also mentioned that firecrackers hold a significant role in Sanatan Dharma and it is customary to set off firecrackers on Diwali.

Even though firecrackers are prohibited in Delhi, they are permitted for a two-hour window in Rajasthan. MLA Acharya commented on the government’s decision, stating that while two hours may be sufficient, people still do not adhere to the time limit.

He specified that Diwali is a significant Hindu celebration and it is necessary to uphold the customs, while also being mindful of others’ well-being.

MLA Acharya emphasized the importance of regulating the use of firecrackers to ensure it does not negatively affect anyone’s well-being. He also mentioned that festivals in Hindu society are significant not only for their religious significance but also for their traditional value. Setting off fireworks during Diwali is a customary practice. He added that regulations should be created allowing people to adhere to customs while also considering others’ well-being.

Different states have enforced stringent regulations to manage pollution caused by firecrackers during Diwali. Only green firecrackers are permitted in Delhi during Diwali, but they may only be used between 8 pm and 10 pm. The manufacture, storage, and sale of all other firecrackers have been prohibited by the Delhi government until 2025.

The Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab has permitted the use of fireworks only on Diwali from 8 pm to 10 pm, with all other times being a ban on crackers. The prohibition on all crackers except for green crackers remains in place in Haryana. Gurugram permits only green crackers.

In addition, a full prohibition on firecrackers has been imposed in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, and Gaya in Bihar, with no permits issued for selling firecrackers in these areas. In Maharashtra and West Bengal, only eco-friendly firecrackers are permitted, leading to 30% less pollution compared to traditional firecrackers. In Tamil Nadu, the designated time for setting off firecrackers is from 6 to 7 in the morning and 7 to 8 in the evening.