Dear Chetan Bhagat,
I fail to see the point of comparison between cracker sale ban in New Delhi and Christmas trees and goat sacrifice. Cracker sales are banned because they are health hazard and cause noise pollution. When sale is banned, there will at least be some respite in the bursting of crackers on Diwali in the capital city, which is hyper-polluted. Bursting of crackers cause severe problems for the sick and respiratory problems for all, especially children. Christmas trees do not emit any smoke or poison. They are a lovely sight to see with their lights and decorations, as beautiful as the lamps lit on Diwali on the river banks. Goat sacrifice also does not cause any environmental or health problems.
Diwali has become a national festival celebrated by all communities in India and is not an exclusive Hindu festival. The term 'Diwali' itself refers to light and not to crackers and noise. Light is beautiful and a universal symbol of good. The Supreme Court order is in the right spirit and direction and will help to restore the charm of the festival. An esteemed and popular writer like you should not have given a communal colour to the timely and logical ruling of the Supreme Court.
Matthew Adukanil
Vellore, Tamil Nadu
