Editor,
This is in response to the news report titled “India’s Deepavali now in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list” (December 11).
“Let the darkness of evil get burnt and a new light of goodness emerge” — perhaps one of the most repeated lines revolving the spirit of Deepavali since centuries!
As a matter of fact on the very night of “removal of darkness”, we are at our devilish “best”! Right from early evening till dead of night, atrocious sound-emitting crackers reverberate throughout the horizon. What a barbaric torture upon the sick, senior citizens, infants and domestic animals! Less said about environmental pollution the better! Moreover these crackers also serve as a great avenue to display monetary muscle — who explode the maximum amount of crackers or whose sound is most ear-shattering heart-splitting!
It is high time we learn to respect Deepavali by awarding its due through practical significance i.e. practically removing darkness from all corners of the society including our minds.
Else, just like getting registered in the Guinness Book of World Records through “historic” Ayodhya Deepotsav (lighting “only” 26,17,215 diyas at the same place); mere trumpet of getting featured in the UNESCO INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF HUMANITY LIST also would count to nothing!
Along with the international recognition of Deepavali, let a “new light of goodness” emerge in practical terms as well!
In his poem “Himero Ratey” (On the cool, cold night) Rabindranath Tagore wrote – – “A clarion call from the deep tells all to kindle their own light to bedeck the earth on this night, announce the victory of light and defeat of gloomy disquiet”.
Yes, light of candles earthen lamps and colourful electric bulbs on Deepavali evening is fine; but much more important is to kindle one’s “own light” i.e light of humanity conscience and brotherhood in the mindset and heart and keep it beaming throughout the year so as to embrace all living beings with love and kindness.
Kajal Chatterjee
Via e-mail
