This Deebavali, Tamil Nadu witnessed an enthusiastic celebration, with Hindus across the state lighting up the festival despite opposition from the Dravidian Kazhagam (DK) and restrictions imposed by the ruling DMK government. While the government urged people to limit firecracker use to a two-hour window and promoted eco-friendly celebrations, the state saw a remarkable surge in both firecracker sales and festivities, especially in key districts like Sivakasi, the hub of India’s fireworks industry.
The Dravidian Kazhagam, led by K. Veeramani, issued statements questioning the historical and cultural roots of Diwali, suggesting it was a product of “cultural invasion.“ The DK argued that Diwali did not appear in Tamil Nadu’s traditions until the 13th century, asserting that the festival is based on fabricated legends brought in by Aryan influence. Veeramani’s message encouraged people to “re-evaluate” the festival’s origins and refrain from celebrations.
🔹‘தீபாவளி’யைக் கொண்டாடுபவர்களின் சிந்தனைக்குச் சில செய்திகள்!
🔹‘தீபாவளி’ வந்தது திருமலை நாயக்கன் காலத்தில்தான்–சோழர் காலத்தில் கிடையாது!
🔹ஒரே பண்டிகைக்குப் பல்வேறு கதைகள் ஏன்?‘தினத்தந்தி’யின் ஞாயிறு இதழில் வெளிவரும் இணைப்பான ‘தேவதை’ (27.10.2024) பகுதியில் இடம்பெற்றுள்ள ஒரு…
— Asiriyar K.Veeramani (@AsiriyarKV) October 30, 2024
In addition to these calls, the Tamil Nadu government also set unreasonable limitations. In adherence to a 2018 Supreme Court ruling, the government restricted firecracker bursting to two one-hour periods: between 6 AM and 7 AM, and 7 PM and 8 PM. It also mandated the use of green crackers and warned against bursting crackers near sensitive areas such as hospitals. A government release added a plea to celebrate in an “environment-friendly” manner.
Yet, reports from across Tamil Nadu indicate that people celebrated Diwali with great fervor, bypassing the limitations and spending more on crackers than in previous years. In Sivakasi, home to most of India’s firework manufacturers, sales soared, totaling over ₹6,000 crore, a 5% to 7% increase from last year. According to T Kannan, General Secretary of the Indian Fireworks Manufacturers Association (TIFMA), demand for aerial fireworks was particularly high, as people embraced the traditional spirit of Diwali despite rising raw material costs and restrictions on certain firecracker types.
பட்டாசு ஒளியில் ஜொலித்த சென்னை மாநகரம்.. இரவு நேர வானத்தை வண்ணத்தில் குளிக்க வைத்த வாண வெடிகள்.. வியக்க வைக்கும் ட்ரோன் காட்சி..#Chennai | #Diwali | #DiwaliCelebration | #Crackers | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/7JvL5sHNCI
— Polimer News (@polimernews) October 31, 2024
Cracker shop owners and traders across the state, however, reported mixed results, with some temporary sellers noting unsold stock due to delays in license issuance and restricted selling times. As reported in TNIE, Alagu Raj, a retailer in Meesalur, noted that while sales were strong, economic factors played a role, observing that people were spending a bit less than last year since Diwali fell on the last day of the month. He added that purchases were generally more cautious than in previous years.
The celebration, however, stood as a clear testament to the enduring popularity of Diwali among Tamil Nadu’s Hindu population. Many chose to embrace traditional rituals, ignoring the cultural debates and restrictions, and showcased a festive spirit marked by family gatherings, prayers, and vibrant fireworks displays.
Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.