Fireworks integral part of Diwali festivities
All religions should promote unity
WITH reference to the letter from Khushal Ramlakhan “Fireworks have no significance for Diwali” which appeared in the Sunday Tribune on October 29, the writer seems to be confused between what is a religious observance and a celebration.
Cultures celebrate an occasion in different ways according to tradition. For example, in many parts of the world Christmas and new year are ushered in with songs, dances, merrymaking and fireworks. Some even celebrate by going to the beach.
Ramlakhan must note that a festival can be celebrated in many ways, and in Diwali one of the most popular ways is the lighting of fireworks. It is reasonable to expect objections from certain quarters, but also expected is a bit of tolerance.
Throughout the world, be it the Chinese, Americans, the English, the Australians, and in many other parts including the Indian Diaspora, fireworks have become an integral part of festivities, unlike in certain communities where alcohol is splurged resulting in vandalism and fights. Diwali is marked by the exchange of gifts and good wishes without taking precedence over the religious aspects.
I would like to exhort people not to be too parochial in their attitude. SANJAY SINGH Queensburgh Fireworks explode to celebrate 100 days in the countdown to the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in Incheon, South Korea, on November 1. Debate over their use locally during Diwali continues. SUGEN Pillay’s response to my call for Hindu-muslim unity refers.
My own “curious” nostalgia is proudly based on my very own family’s experience and attempts, in some small way, to unify, in spite of religious differences.
Religious and community leaders of all eras have tried to divide people to justify their own existence.
Capitalism has always been a religion of its own, its motto being “in money we trust”, and that includes political attitudes of even the currently wealthy Hindu and Muslim capitalists.
Not all passenger Indians, Muslim or Hindu, arrived here from Gujarat, Madras or Uttar Pradesh with silver spoons in their mouths.
Many had to strive as slaves for other passenger immigrants.
My grandfather and his sons belonged to such a poor class who lived among mostly indentured Hindus and Muslims and many of us, not all, rubbed shoulders with them, sharing their joy and sorrow.
Capitalism arrives later and most times, unfortunately, makes us insensitive to the protesting activism of the underprivileged, by casting instant amnesia on our own previous struggles.
And to stereotype that fact also has pitfalls, for our recent heroes who gave their lives to our own political struggle – the Meers, Gordhans, Kathradas, Timols and Asmals – all arose from “capitalist” Gujarati communities.
People like Pillay should perhaps also clutch at straws the way writers like me do, to look at a “curious nostalgic past”, true or untrue, whether the exception or the rule, isolated or widespread, to try to unite people, instead of constantly seeking historical memorabilia in an effort to divide us even further.
EBRAHIM ESSA Clare Estate
THE excellent letter by Khushal Ramlakhan in the Sunday Tribune, “Fireworks have no significance for Diwali”, requires a response.
I have to concur with him. Diwali is meant to be a peaceful festival, not fireworks. It is “ignorance from darkness to light or knowledge”. It is a sacred, religious and auspicious occasion that calls for the refinement of our spiritual, humanitarian and other values of bonding, sharing, promoting goodwill and charity.
The use of fireworks over Diwali is debated year after year and there is no solution on the control and celebration at designated places.
Firework merchants who support the use of fireworks because of pecuniary interest and who import fireworks from India and China rake in millions.
Diwali should be celebrated with decorum, not loud big bangs by revellers.
DHAYALAN MOODLEY Mobeni Heights