As Diwali 2025 draws near, the festive excitement is palpable across India — streets are lit, markets are buzzing, and homes are being decorated. But amid the celebrations, one issue continues to spark debate every year: the use of crackers. While fireworks have long been a part of Indian tradition, growing awareness of their environmental and health impacts is inspiring a shift toward eco-friendly Diwali celebrations.
This year, health experts and environmentalists are urging citizens to make conscious choices — from using green crackers to reducing air and noise pollution — ensuring that the “Festival of Lights” truly lives up to its name.
Why Traditional Crackers Are a Problem
For many families, bursting crackers symbolizes joy and prosperity. However, conventional firecrackers release harmful pollutants, including sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which linger in the air long after the festivities end.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow experience a sharp rise in pollution levels during and after Diwali, often pushing air quality into the “severe” category. The combination of smoke from crackers, cool winter air, and stagnant winds creates a toxic blanket that affects everyone — especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.
Dr. Meenakshi Bhatnagar, a pulmonologist at AIIMS, explains, “Bursting crackers not only increases air pollution but also causes a spike in hospital visits due to asthma, bronchitis, and eye irritation. A single night of pollution can undo months of air quality improvement efforts.”
What Are Green Crackers?
To combat this issue, scientists at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have developed green crackers, an innovative alternative that emits 30–40% less pollution compared to conventional fireworks. These eco-friendly versions contain reduced chemical content, such as lesser barium nitrate, and generate less smoke and noise.
Green crackers are easily identifiable through a special QR code printed on the packaging, which ensures authenticity and allows buyers to verify that they’re purchasing a certified product. The government has also partnered with manufacturers to make these products more accessible and affordable across major cities.
Common varieties include:
- Safe Water Releaser (SWAS) – reduces particulate matter emissions.
- Safe Minimal Aluminium (SAFAL) – minimizes noise and smoke.
- Safe Thermite Cracker (STAR) – reduces harmful gases.
These green crackers still provide a festive experience but without the harmful aftereffects of traditional fireworks.
Health and Safety Tips for Diwali 2025
Even with eco-friendly options, safety remains key during celebrations. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has shared important precautions for families using crackers this Diwali:
- Always buy crackers from licensed shops with BIS certification.
- Burst them only in open areas, away from flammable materials.
- Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies.
- Avoid lighting fireworks indoors or near vehicles.
- Supervise children at all times and discourage unsupervised firework use.
Additionally, those with respiratory conditions are advised to wear N95 masks if exposed to smoke, and to stay indoors during peak hours of firework activity.
The Benefits of a Green Diwali
A Green Diwali doesn’t mean giving up joy — it means celebrating responsibly. Communities across India are adopting new traditions like:
- Lighting diyas and lanterns instead of high-decibel fireworks.
- Organizing community fireworks displays to reduce individual emissions.
- Planting trees or gifting saplings as a symbol of renewal.
- Using LED lights to conserve energy.
These small changes not only reduce pollution but also align with India’s broader sustainability goals. In fact, cities like Bengaluru and Pune have reported improved post-Diwali air quality in areas where residents voluntarily reduced cracker usage.
The Way Forward
As the country embraces the spirit of Diwali, the choice between crackers and clean air becomes more than a personal preference — it’s a collective responsibility. Each decision to opt for eco-friendly celebrations contributes to the health of our communities and the planet.
Experts believe that widespread awareness, combined with accessible green crackers, can strike a balance between tradition and sustainability. The hope is that future generations will inherit not only the joy of Diwali but also cleaner air and safer neighborhoods.
So this Diwali, as lights flicker across homes and streets, let’s illuminate the skies responsibly — with eco-friendly crackers, love, and care for our environment.
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