Deepavali 2017 (remarks)

Deepavali passed off pretty well last week and I had wonderful time celebrating and going out watch the dazzling fireworks displays from the neighbourhood. I wasn’t doing much anything these days but too lazy or not interested to post or write something while I was in festival mood and relaxed being. Though the day wasn’t great or differs from a regular Sunday, that begin with watching television and having curry kulambu for breakfast, the evening turned wonderful with lighting fireworks and going to beach to watch the aerial fireworks light up from the neighbourhood. I took many photos/videos on the fireworks display either at ground or sky; it was fun shooting from three different cameras – iPhonse SE, Canon powershot and Gopro hero 5. More photos to come soon and do check the video at end of the post.

Multi color fountain

Unlike earlier people don’t look or feel festival and even greeting each other has come down, but I shouldn’t wonder really about it as confronting smile had dropped from day-to-day life. But I was more cheerful cherishing my old memories and I couldn’t prevent happiness popping up and the sound of crackers makes feel festive. Compare to previous years, bursting of fireworks are less this year but there was high smoke on Deepavali evening/night. The high humidity in air and along with mild fog the firework smoke sustained into the ambience without gaps to escape. But it turned normal next day.

Red and Green fountains aka flower pots

I really amazed at the level of noise reduced this year and the interest on firework drop. The people say price raise, GST and demonetisation, but this isn’t matter really and from my observation, the firework price was bit less comparing last year. Moreover the sudden environmentalists has created a irk feeling and people doesn’t want to be pointed out guilty or whatever they say, its better leave alone those unwanted to burst. I’m sure in future bursting fireworks will be reduced and children who aren’t interested in firework shouldn’t be forced and it will help in transformation. The environmentalists should continue to voice against pollution instead popping head on Diwali alone. Fireworks do not rule us all the days and it highlights what really hides within and unlike crackers it destroys quiet.

More  to come soon.

Festival of Lights and Fireworks

Deepavali, aka Diwali is just two days away (Oct 18) and it feels exciting. Deepavali (Festival of Lights) always been my favourite festival and I always look forward for this day, and fireworks is the main reason for me to feel alike. I have grown up bursting fireworks and I really enjoy watching the dazzling light and colours coming out of the fireworks and the sounds that create a joy mood. I wasn’t a fan of loud crackers and I have stopped buying those (burst in the ground) long back, but still the sounds come from the neighbourhood during Diwali resonates joy. Glad I had a wonderful childhood and memories of Deepavali, a time where I felt cheerful and continue to be so with memories to cherish.

Though the only firework I could lit being sparkles, I used to buy certain fireworks to (let someone) light up to enjoy the glowing spectacle. While residing in apartment (from 2006-2013) the celebration touched beyond fireworks, where we shared the festival spirit with neighbours who share sweets and snacks (of different kinds) with each other. Dressed in new attires, it’s wonderful to watch and receive greeting from friendly residents.  And in evening/night the kids gather in front of the apartment and make a dazzling show of fireworks, and I would be out watching their activities before going to my great aunt’s house in the suburb to light our fireworks and watch others aerial outs. I really miss all the things now, but still the festival light continues to glow and engross.

I could understand the opposition rising against bursting firework and the Supreme Court has banned selling fireworks at some places including the nation capital Delhi, where it created huge air pollution during last Diwali. Though it wasn’t the only reason for a city that tops the chart in pollution normally, fireworks added light to the glowing issue. Whatever they say, it’s not easy to erase the thought of Deepavali without fireworks, though we have no trace from when fireworks included in celebration, for kids growing up bursting fireworks is least possible to give up. I don’t think those stopped busting fireworks (or ever done with it) are conscious about nature and environment.  Its sheer delight of gadgets, internet and television that keeps away people from fireworks, though it may sound good, but when it applies to all festivals and events doesn’t sound same.   Diwali is a day in a year unlike these that continue to occupy us in good as well opposite ways.

There are scientific reasons that have been boon and bane supporting those who approve, as well oppose to fireworks. I’m not saying bursting firework is good or it should be completely ban. Firework industry in Tamil Nadu is a huge one and it has been a livelihood for more than 0.8 million people, but it isn’t that we all should buy firework and support their lives. Alternate jobs will sure to be better than making fireworks, which threat lives directly and it would take long time and for that huge change to happen but instead of banning reducing its usage would be better option.  Could we stop the New Year celebrations that open with grand fireworks across the globe or any sports events that loud cry with dazzling fireworks. I think regulating things and rule stronger guidelines will sure control the level of pollution in many ways.

As for now let stop here and celebrate Deepavali and what we need to add is more light and sweetness to the festival that illuminate the country and whoever practice the lighting festival. Pls share anything that adds sweetness with your near and dear ones, and fireworks wasn’t the only thing about Deepavali (or any other festival) that I believe is based on get-together and sharing happiness and bond between family and friends.  Cheers! 

Red Letter Box

The red letter box is one of my favourite things from childhood. Many a time I wish to have one to hang on our house gate, but it never happened. Our current house had a letter box and it broke down last year, though it isn’t a red letter box.

I find the above red letter box from the side gates of the KFC restaurant in Kottivakkam, when we parked aside, I shot the image meanwhile dad went to buy chicken popcorn for me. You could also see a dog behind, and I found it friendly as it moves around undisturbed the employees coming out and in, which perhaps could be a kitchen.  

Linking this post for  Good Fences by Gosia 

Compensate?

State govt. employees salary has increased to a height of ever; perhaps the double amount of their salary. But what bothers me here was doubt. When the employees were protested to bring back the old pension scheme, the govt. was very quiet or showed ignore attitude and even high court condemn and request employees to go back to work. Now the salary has ample increased! Why should we not doubt that this is a way to shut their mouth, so that they won’t speak out the corruptions or unheeded about it? I wonder when they could increase the salaries to all high, what the rulers would take home? I doubt will it grant to great heist ever in Tamil Nadu.

At other hand liquor rates has increased in the state run wine shops (TASMAC), will sure fall on the labours head.  I think the mighty rate of customers is labours and daily wage, who drink letting his family suffer and this price rise is sure to cut pocket of the family. No I am not supporting drunkards or encouraging. When the common interest is to close all the liquor shops, the govt. increasing the price and planning to open the shutdown shops only welcomes the drinkers and social illness. The price rise is obviously to compensate the elevated space of govt. staffs salary. So the govt. is only balancing the state without improvising either side (positively) or built a parallel income to liquor. Looks prohibition is like only a dream project that will never takes place, unless govt. takes conscious decision and rehabilitates drunkards.  

Message

Endless envelopes 

unfolded, as I watch waves 

sent out peace message 

P.s. The picture shot at Palavakkam beach in neighbourhood during a visit last week and the haiku was inspiring on the spot.