Diwali

The festival of lights is louder than it is bright, or so it seems to me at the moment. Stepping ouside right now would mean inhaling fumes upon fumes of goodness knows what, and also realising that all that visual extravaganza (and cacophony) in the skies is the spewing forth of so much toxicity into the air. There's been a haze like mist outside since the fireworks started this evening, and by tomorrow morning, as happens every year, there will be a fine layer of ash/smoke dust everywhere. I wonder what happens to all those chemicals released. After the visual fest, do we really care? They'll probably fly about and chase each other, or just find their way down your throat. I don't think that harmless-looking, colourful little round ball comes with a disclaimer about things like noxious fumes, air or noise pollution. About a million or so of them thrown into the air in one night though must be leaving that nice blue sky gagged, choking and spluttering with indignation.

Lights and colour are pretty enough, and I think the diyas have an air of quaintness and serenity like no other. That spectacular display in the air cannot hold a candle to the tiny flame flickering in the the earthen lamp. The latter doesn't come attached with noise unbound, and toxicity unleashed, which is a quiet blessing.
Some pictures from this year's celebrations:

The last one's courtesy Ju (www.mphilchronicles.blogspot.com). Thanks!