Bhagwat stated that earlier forms of fireworks lacked hazardous chemical components, highlighting how customs such as burning ghee-fuelled lamps originally acted to eliminate insects and clean the atmosphere. He also pointed to the festival's international footprint and remarked that women often grasp the societal principles of dharma more deeply than men. Meanwhile, capital residents faced critical conditions after Delhi logged an average Air Quality Index of 376, marking its most toxic holiday period in five years. Persistent smog kept the city's air quality index at a hazardous 371 on the subsequent Monday morning.
Key points
The RSS chief maintained that ancient fireworks were free from the toxic chemical composi…: The RSS chief maintained that ancient fireworks were free from the toxic chemical compositions found in modern varieties.
Cultural practices like lighting lamps with ghee were historically intended to eradicate…: Cultural practices like lighting lamps with ghee were historically intended to eradicate insects and cleanse urban environments.
Public health concerns continue to intensify across major Indian cities where festive pyr…: Public health concerns continue to intensify across major Indian cities where festive pyrotechnics exacerbate dangerous seasonal smog levels.
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Bhagwat said firecrackers used in earlier times were free of harmful chemicals and helped eliminate insects.
NEW DELHI: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has defended traditional Diwali practices, saying they were rooted in science and served environmental purposes, including eliminating insects and purifying the air.His remarks come amid continuing concerns over air pollution in major Indian cities.Addressing a gathering in Nagpur, Bhagwat said firecrackers used in earlier times were free of harmful chemicals and helped eliminate insects. He also cited the practice of lighting lamps fuelled by ghee, saying it helped purify the atmosphere.“There was science behind these traditional practices,” he said, invoking the phrase “Vatavaran shuddh, jeevan shuddh” (a clean environment leads to a pure life).
The RSS chief's comments come against the backdrop of worsening air quality in Delhi and several other metropolitan cities, where firecracker use during Diwali has remained a contentious issue. Pollution from fireworks, along with other sources, has repeatedly raised concerns over their environmental and health impact.Bhagwat also spoke about the cultural significance of Diwali, noting that the five-day festival is celebrated across the world…
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