The Diwali festival will be celebrated on Saturday and lot of people are worried about the fireworks.

The people are not clear why fireworks are connected with Diwali. It is the same as Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night with fireworks to commemorate the Gunpowder plot of 1605.

In the same way, fireworks are an inherent part of Diwali celebrations.

It is paradoxically celebrated on the darkest night of the year — amavas, when the sky is moonless. In this way the moon cannot outshine the oil lamps that decorate the homes and the fireworks that light the inky sky.

The noise of bursting fireworks is intended to chase away the evil spirits, thus setting the note for revelry and celebrations. The sound of firecrackers traditionally announces the celebration of this favourite of festivals for Hindus.

Diwali, the festival of lights, strengthens our close friendships and knowledge.

To Hindus, darkness represents ignorance, and light is a metaphor for knowledge. Therefore, lighting a lamp symbolises the destruction, through knowledge, of all negative forces — wickedness, violence, lust, anger, envy, greed, bigotry, fear, injustice, oppression and suffering.

It symbolises that age-old culture of India which teaches to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge.

Diwali, even today in this modern world, projects the rich and glorious past of India.

It is incumbent on all those celebrating Diwali to be responsible and careful with fireworks and strictly not to explode them at untimely hours.

It would be preferable to use noiseless fireworks which are more enjoyable to watch and safe for the children.

A lot has been said on this subject in previous years and people are aware it does not bode well to annoy or inconvenience others for one’s own pleasure.

Ideally it would make sense if fireworks displays are held in an open ground for everyone to enjoy instead of individually in one’s homes.

I hope we will have a joyous and peaceful Diwali this year with good will for all people and celebrate our diversity with dignity and respect. Happy Diwali to all.

Baldev Sharma, Exeter Road, Rayners Lane