Kathmandu, November 5
Firecrackers and fireworks, commonly used during Tihar celebrations, can cause fear, injuries and health problems among children, elderly people, patients and animals, raising concerns about the impact of the festivities beyond the brief moments of entertainment they provide.
Tihar, the festival of lights, is traditionally associated with happiness, celebration and harmony. However, the loud noises and smoke produced by firecrackers can create difficulties for people and animals who are particularly sensitive to noise and environmental pollution.
Children and elderly people
The sudden, loud sounds of firecrackers can frighten young children, particularly infants, causing crying, fear and sleep disturbances. Elderly people, especially those sensitive to noise, may experience stress, anxiety and disrupted sleep.
People with heart conditions may also find sudden loud noises distressing.
Patients and people with disabilities
Fireworks can be particularly distressing for people receiving hospital treatment, recovering from surgery or living with conditions that make them sensitive to noise.
Some autistic people may also experience significant distress from loud and unexpected sounds. For them, firecrackers are not simply a source of entertainment but can cause considerable discomfort and anxiety.
Impact on animals
Dogs, cats, cattle, birds and other animals are also vulnerable to fireworks. Their hearing differs from that of humans, and many are particularly sensitive to sudden loud noises.
The sounds can cause animals to tremble, hide or flee in fear. Dogs and cats that run away from their homes or familiar surroundings may be hit by vehicles, injured or lost. Birds may also abandon their nests and habitats in response to the noise.
Risk of fires and injuries
Firecrackers also pose physical safety risks. Improper handling or accidental explosions can cause injuries to the hands, face and eyes.
Children playing with firecrackers without proper supervision are particularly vulnerable to serious accidents. Fires can also break out in homes, shops, vehicles and other structures, with even a moment of carelessness potentially causing significant damage.
Air and noise pollution
The smoke released by firecrackers contains dust and various chemical substances that contribute to air pollution. People with asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions may experience breathing difficulties.
Exposure can also cause eye irritation, throat discomfort and coughing. Smoke and pollutants may remain in the environment even after the fireworks have stopped.
Meanwhile, excessive noise can contribute to noise pollution, potentially affecting hearing and causing stress, anxiety and sleep disturbances.
Tihar is a festival of joy and celebration, but the festivities should not become a source of fear or suffering for others. The brief pleasure of setting off firecrackers can have lasting consequences for children, patients, elderly people and animals.
Celebrating the festival while being mindful of others can help ensure that its message of happiness and harmony extends to everyone.
