Bhagwat says firecrackers of old were chemical-free and purified the air

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat has claimed that firecrackers in earlier times were made without chemicals. According to him, their smoke destroyed harmful insects in the atmosphere and purified the air. He was speaking at the Diwali Milan programme of the Maheshwari Panchayat in Nagpur.

Bhagwat spoke about festivals, traditions and the scientific reasons behind them. He said festivals are an inseparable part of Indian society and that, however hard some people try to have them stopped, festivals will never stop. He said this in a sarcastic tone.

The sarsanghchalak referred to festivals linked to Hindu culture and the farming tradition. He said firecrackers were used in the past and there were solid reasons behind it. Lighting lamps of cow ghee and oil brought a kind of purity to the atmosphere. According to Bhagwat, there is also a science behind this, of keeping the atmosphere pure while bringing joy into life.

Bhagwat said Diwali is no longer confined to India. Earlier the festival was celebrated only in India, but Diwali is now also celebrated in the Parliaments of the United States and Britain. He said giving to charity and every citizen taking part in the joy is part of our culture. The importance of Indian culture is becoming evident across the world.

He also said that the rules of society and festivals are meant for the good of all. Bhagwat reminded the gathering that it is our responsibility to recognise the mistakes we make with our own hands, correct them and maintain the purity of festivals.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had also given his views on air pollution. Responding to complaints that firecrackers raise smoke and pollution during Diwali, he said there was no need to worry about air quality, as it would improve on its own. According to Adityanath, pollution from firecrackers is temporary and does not last forever.