The origins of Diwali follow the mythological story of Ram, a prince of a province of India who defeated the demon Narakasura, who had abducted Ram’s lover, a woman named Sita. 

As Ram, his brother Lakshman, and Sita, make their way home, the people of the city lit up oil lamps (or ‘diyas’) to help guide them. 

Thus, Diwali is a celebration of light, prosperity and good over evil. 

Today, a popular Diwali tradition is lighting fireworks; this is usually done in private areas, such as one’s back garden. 

However, this has many adverse environmental implications such as noise pollution, high particle pollution, and can put people at risk of health. 

Mayura Nile, someone who “[values] the tradition of fireworks during Diwali because of its traditional and cultural significance”, says “the amount of pollution caused by setting off fireworks during Diwali is the same amount of pollution produced by emissions from vehicles [over a period of time]. If we really cared about the environment, then we should reduce the consumption of both! Otherwise you’re just taking away the fun.”

On the other hand, Mayura does acknowledge the other negative effects of Diwali celebrations on the environment.

For example, in order to reduce noise pollution whilst not compromising on celebrations, she believes that “fireworks which are extremely loud and disruptive should be banned, and there should be a curfew of setting off fireworks in order to ensure neighbours have a restful sleep”.

To reduce the “consumerism of plastics”, Mayura implores people to “package their gifts like sweets in anything other than plastic; as given the population of Indians in London, the waste of one-time use plastics for boxes and bags in this city alone must be very high.”