India's Festival of Lights Uses Smokeless Fireworks

Outdoor markets, like this one in Delhi, commonly sell decorations, firecrackers and other festival regalia before Diwali. While rural residents still prefer traditional firecrackers, about 55 percent of city-dwellers are choosing eco-friendly alternatives, reports India Today. Photo: Flickr/RobRyb

Hindus living in India’s capital city and other major metro areas plan to green their celebration of Diwali, an annual festival of lights, by opting for eco-friendly and smokeless firecrackers, reports India Today.

Beginning on Wednesday, the five-day festival is marked by large family meals, bursting firecrackers and lighting clay lanterns to signify the triumph of good over evil. While lighting firecrackers is a traditional part of the festival, the demand for eco-friendly alternatives is on the rise.

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“All the major metros demand eco-friendly crackers,” A. Mutha, a fireworks dealer in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, told India Today on Monday.

The eco firecrackers are made of recycled paper and contain fewer chemicals than traditional versions – meaning they’re quieter and emit less smoke and harmful toxins.

“Unlike the normal cracker-making method, the eco-friendly crackers are based on a vacuum combustion method,” Mutha said in the interview. “These crackers produce colorful sparks with a considerable sound and less smoke.”

Delhi and Kolkata lead in the purchases of eco-friendly varieties – which actually cost less than traditional fireworks, according to the article.

Mutha noted that people living in rural areas and small towns still prefer traditional crackers. But city residents insist green alternatives protect the environment without sacrificing festival fun.

“Diwali is known for fireworks, it is not complete without bursting crackers,” Akhilesh Gupta, a Delhi businessman, told India Today. “So, the best way is to opt for eco-friendly crackers and save the environment without dampening the festival mood.”