Community bats for a cracker-free festival
The Hindu
Jain Sangh has planned gifts for children staying away from fireworks. Acts of giving are promoted
Amidst shopping for crackers and sweets, a clutch of residents is spreading the message of a cracker-free Deepavali and discussing acts of kindness through WhatsApp.
Under a programme called “Pathshala” that is run by the Jain Sangh, ahead of Deepavali, families take part in a cracker-free campaign where they are given declaration forms to sign, assigned tasks to be done and rewarded points based on their outcome.
Antriksh Tatia, a volunteer with Jain Sangh, notes that the community celebrates Deepavali as they believe that is the day Lord Mahivira attained salvation. Diyas are lit but needless extravaganza is shunned. Messages on how crackers are harmful to the environment, animals and birds are posted.