Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 28: Actress Madhoo has urged people to celebrate Diwali without firecrackers, highlighting concerns over air pollution, noise pollution and the distress caused to pets.
The actress also recalled her childhood memories of celebrating the festival, admitting that asking people to give up firecrackers felt like asking them to let go of some of their most cherished memories.
In a video shared on social media, Madhoo said Diwali was particularly special this year as the festival coincided with her baby's birthday.
“Hi, it's that time of the year, it's crackers time, it's Diwali and it's around the corner and this year it's coming along with my baby's birthday as well so it's only all fun and happy happy times. But I would like to request and I would like to say let's celebrate Diwali without the cracker noise, without crackers if possible, even while saying that my heart breaks because my whole memory, my childhood memory of Diwali is all about doing the crackers, fighting with my cousins for my share and showing each other how brave we are or actually being lost in the emotion,” she said.
Recalling her childhood celebrations, Madhoo said she had personally enjoyed lighting firecrackers and running barefoot while celebrating the festival.
“I have held the ‘ladis’ in my hand and lit it and thrown it and I have run barefoot lighting the crackers not being worried that something might touch my feet and that was Diwali for me,” she said.
She acknowledged that giving up firecrackers meant letting go of a part of her childhood but stressed that environmental and health concerns made it necessary to reconsider the practice.
“So here, standing here before you and saying no crackers, it's almost like saying something no to my beautiful childhood memory but it has to be no crackers. As for the pollution in the air and Bombay as you know the AQI, the air quality index is the worst and let's not add to that. There are a lot of people suffering from respiratory issues so let's help them not to go through that and second the noise pollution,” she said.
Madhoo also highlighted the impact of loud firecrackers on pets, particularly dogs, which often become frightened by the noise.
“Noise is a big pollution, it hurts people and most of all it hurts my baby boo. All for all, I am speaking for all the pet parents, dog parents who have doggies at home. They are so nervous, they are so scared, they run helter skelter,” she added.
Urging people to celebrate the festival in ways that spread happiness without causing distress, the actress encouraged everyone to wear colourful clothes, embrace friends, share sweets and express affection.
“Let's save them, let's help them, let's celebrate and spread joy and happiness. Let's wear colourful clothes, let's love and hug our friends, let's give a lot of sweets. I know today nobody eats sweets but still let's do everything except crackers and wishing each and every one of you a very very very happy Diwali. Only joy, only love, only happiness,” she said.
Alongside the video, Madhoo shared a social media message urging people to avoid firecrackers to protect pets and improve air quality.
“LET'S HELP OUR DOGGIES BY NOT DOING THE SOUND POLLUTION DUE TO FIREWORKS AT CRACKERS. LET'S HELP OUR AIR QUALITY INDEX ALSO BUT LET'S NOT FORGET TO CELEBRATE AND SPREAD LOVE AND JOY HAPPY DIWALI TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU,” her post read.
The actress emphasised that while she understood the emotional connection people shared with firecrackers and festive traditions, it was important to consider those suffering from respiratory problems and the effects of deteriorating air quality.
She concluded by wishing everyone a happy Diwali and urging people to spread love, joy and happiness while being considerate towards fellow citizens, animals and the environment.