Diwali is the most popular and most celebrated festival in India. It is celebrated in every corner of the country and even all over the world. The celebrations of Diwali symbolize the victory of Lord Rama over the evil King Ravana in the epic Ramayana. There are many traditions and legends associated with the Diwali celebrations. Every religion has a different story behind the celebrations. It’s a tradition to offer prayers to the gods and goddess of prosperity, exchange sweets and burst firecrackers.
Firecrackers are an integral part of Diwali celebrations. People from all age groups enjoy a show of firecrackers in the sky. Children take great joy in bursting firecrackers. In fact, most youngsters approach the task of firecracker shopping with intense deliberation. Every care is taken when it comes to their choice of firecracker to be used on Diwali day.
Types of Firecrackers
Traditionally when it comes to firecrackers the louder the better. There are many types of firecrackers available in the markets. These include;
Sparkles: These are quite firecrackers which give off attractive sparkles upon burning. They come in multi-colour and plain sparkles.
Snakes: These are small tables, which upon burning, burn in the form of snake-like coils.
Colored matches: These are just like regular matches but burn with colourful flames.
Flowerpots: These come in various sizes and colors.
Bombs: Bombs are one of the largest selling types of firecrackers in the market. Small to large, string to double bombs and the ones that emit colorful sparkles when in the air and then burst into what appears to be a shower of lights.
Catherine wheels: Catherine wheels are also known as ‘chakris’ in Hindi. These go ’round on the ground’ and emit colorful lights.
Rockets: Another one of the most popular firecrackers is a rocket. They fire into the air, make a swishing sound and then explode.
The significance:
Firecrackers have a special significance during Diwali celebrations. They’re burst as a celebration or as a sign of thank you to the gods for blessing the earth with health, affluence, wisdom, tranquility as well as opulence.
The custom of bursting firecrackers lights up the sky with a dazzle of lights however it is advised that proper precautions be taken when using firecrackers. Keep the rocket upright and erect, bombs should be lit at a safe distance and always keep a bucket of water handy in case of emergencies.
Firecrackers also make an ideal gift for Diwali. The trend for Diwali 2011 is towards more eco-friendly crackers, which are environment friendly and less noisy.
