Pandit Dhiren Krishna Shastri Defends Diwali Celebrations Amid Pollution Concerns
During the Diwali festivities, concerns about pollution from firecrackers have been raised. Pandit Dhiren Krishna Shastri criticized these objections, noting that firecrackers are also used during New Year celebrations without similar complaints. He stated, “Whenever there is a Hindu festival, a lot of people start schooling others.” Shastri emphasized that such comments are hypocritical and won’t be tolerated.
Shastri announced that 28 lakh diyas will light up the ghats along the Saryu River in Ayodhya during Deepotsav. He expressed excitement for this first Deepotsav following the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Shri Ram. Uttar Pradesh Minister Jaiveer Singh highlighted efforts to enhance the event’s grandeur, with Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attending.
Doubts Revealed
Pandit Dhiren Krishna Shastri -: Pandit Dhiren Krishna Shastri is a religious leader or priest who is speaking about Diwali celebrations. He is defending the use of firecrackers during the festival.
Diwali -: Diwali is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India, known as the Festival of Lights. People light lamps and burst firecrackers to celebrate the victory of light over darkness.
Pollution Concerns -: Pollution concerns refer to worries about the smoke and noise caused by firecrackers, which can harm the environment and people’s health.
New Year celebrations -: New Year celebrations are events that mark the beginning of a new year, often celebrated with fireworks and parties around the world.
Hypocrisy -: Hypocrisy means saying one thing but doing another. In this context, it refers to criticizing Diwali firecrackers but not other celebrations like New Year.
28 lakh diyas -: 28 lakh diyas means 2.8 million small oil lamps that will be lit. Diyas are traditional lamps used in India during festivals like Diwali.
Ayodhya’s Saryu River -: Ayodhya is a city in India, and the Saryu River flows through it. It is a significant place for Hindus, especially during Diwali.
Deepotsav -: Deepotsav is a grand celebration of lights, especially in Ayodhya, during Diwali. It involves lighting many diyas to create a beautiful display.
Pran Pratishtha -: Pran Pratishtha is a Hindu ritual where a deity’s idol is consecrated or given life in a temple. It is an important religious ceremony.
Ram Mandir -: Ram Mandir is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama, a major deity in Hinduism. It is located in Ayodhya and is significant to many Hindus.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Jaiveer Singh -: Jaiveer Singh is a government official in Uttar Pradesh, a state in India. He is involved in organizing the Deepotsav event.
Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat -: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is a minister in the Indian government responsible for cultural affairs. He is attending the Deepotsav event.