Looking at the aftermath of Diwali celebrations through cinema
Cover by Geetanjali Singh
Another year, another Diwali, and yet another prolonged period of dealing with the aftermath of the firecracker-filled festival.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) has dropped to concerningly low levels across the country, but the worst-affected like every year is the Delhi-NCR region.
The National Capital Region observed AQI’s as high as 377 following Diwali celebrations. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), an AQI between 301 and 400 is considered to be “hazardous” and can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.
In light of the awful quality of the air despite an all out firecracker ban in the national capital, we reimagine a few popular films that put the repercussions of Diwali ‘celebrations’ into perspective...
It all starts with an anarchic display of fire and sound as citizens across the country come together in resounding defiance against law and order. Not even Marshall Law can stop what is coming your way now.
Just when you think that maybe, just maybe, people may act sensible and listen to reason this year, the unmistakable sudden blast outside your home rocks you in place. And so it begins.
Those unlucky (or daring) enough to venture outside, are met with nothing short of a literal warzone. Maneuverability from one place to another as each deafening boom reverberates within your chest becomes particularly gruelling and may even leave you shell-shocked in the process.
As the ear-splitting cacophony starts to drone away into the silence of the night, it paves the way for a slow-approaching fallout. Nothing short of radiation suits can shield you from the noxious cloud of particulate matter that blankets the city.
Gradually, with the onset of winter, air quality goes from bad to worse and visibility drops to nil. Braving the outside world feels terrifying, not knowing the many horrors that reside in the poisonous plume of smog. Time to kiss your lungs goodbye.