Colony joins in cracker-free Diwali celebrations
In Short
Unlike conventional celebrations dominated by high-decibel firecrackers and smoke-filled skies, Kirlampudi Layout residents decked up their homes with beautiful lamps, fresh flowers and intricate rangoli designs
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Kirlampudi Layout residents celebrated Diwali by decorating their homes with special lights and going cracker-free in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam: Unlike the usual noise and smoke associated with Diwali, residents of Kirlampudi Layout in Visakhapatnam celebrated the Festival of Lights by illuminating their homes with colourful lights and traditional diyas, making it entirely cracker-free.
Diwali is synonymous with firecrackers. But to promote eco-friendly celebrations, the residents in the colony decided to go cracker-free this festival.
To make it more participative, Kirlampudi Residents’ Welfare Association launched a Diwali lighting and house decoration contest. Much to the surprise of the association members, the contest witnessed an overwhelming response where residents decked up their homes with beautiful lamps, fresh flowers and intricate rangoli designs.
Adding to the festive spirit, residents showcased their creativity in making their homes look special and sparkling.
Unlike conventional celebrations dominated by high-decibel firecrackers and smoke-filled skies, Kirlampudi Layout residents chose a different approach, allowing the glow of lamps and special decorations to take centre stage. Children and youngsters, in particular, found an exciting alternative to bursting crackers, while families came together to create memorable festive moments.
The organisers used the occasion to highlight the harmful consequences of firecrackers, including rising air pollution, excessive noise, respiratory problems, fire accidents and injuries. The high-decibel sounds can cause considerable distress to senior citizens, infants, patients and people sensitive to noise. Pets, birds and other animals are also affected by the sudden explosions and intense sounds emanated by firecrackers.
Staying away from them can significantly reduce harmful smoke and particulate pollution, protect people from accidental burns and injuries, minimise noise and help maintain cleaner surroundings. It also reduces piles of firecracker waste left behind on roads and public spaces after the celebrations.
For Visakhapatnam, the message of responsible celebrations also brings back memories of the devastating Hudhud cyclone in October 2014 when the cyclone made its landfall, battering the city, uprooting thousands of trees, damaging buildings and electricity infrastructure and disrupting normal life. Its impact was felt across residential colonies, where people struggled to restore their homes and livelihoods.
In his public addresses, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu keeps reiterating how fond he is of Vizag people for their complete cooperation in celebrating Diwali cracker-free in October 2014 when he called upon them not to burst any crackers as Cyclone Hudhud devastated the city.
This festive season too became a reminder of the city’s resilience and the importance of standing together during difficult times.
More than a decade later, Kirlampudi Layout’s initiative reflected a growing awareness that celebrations need not come at the cost of public health, safety and the environment.
The RWA’s contest also demonstrated how community-driven activities can bring about positive behavioural changes. By replacing firecrackers with creative competitions, the organisers encouraged children to shoulder environmental responsibility through participation.
The celebration delivered a powerful message that the true spirit of Diwali lies in spreading light, happiness and togetherness, not in creating noise and pollution.
The colony’s celebration highlighted how when an entire community comes together, even a single step can contribute to a much bigger cause.
