Tihar Beyond Fireworks

Tihar, the five-day Festival of Lights, brings with it a transformed energy throughout the country. The beauty of Tihar remains unparalleled, as there are marigold garlands, LED lights and dozens of diyas lighting the doorstep of every home. The magnificence of Nepali cuisine also shines in these five days as Selroti, Kheer and Kwati are cooked all across the country.

However, fireworks and their effects on animals and the environment are an overlooked issue that requires immediate attention and responsibility. Kukur Tihar is a significant celebratory day within Tihar where domestic dogs and street dogs are worshipped and decorated with garlands, tika and food. Pictures are posted all over social media throughout the day with prayers whilst the night forces them to retreat to cramped spaces in search of safety and peace that was vehemently prayed for, just hours ago.

Instead of ignoring the effects of fireworks, we need to look at their use through the lens of environmental destruction caused purely as a result of our desire for entertainment.