Diwali Firecracker Row: Koena Mitra Slams Critics, Politicians React

A fresh debate over firecrackers during Diwali has intensified after actress Koena Mitra publicly backed bursting them as part of the festival's traditional spirit. She said that Hindu festivals do not need to be taught to people from outside.

Sharing a note on the social media platform X, Mitra wrote, "Greetings to all. We celebrate Diwali with lights, firecrackers, music, dhol and delicious food. Don't call Pakistan's sycophants to tell us how to celebrate Hindu festivals. Ignore their show-off social service. Happy Diwali in advance."

Her comments are being viewed as a direct counter to those who have been calling for people to refrain from bursting firecrackers during Diwali because of environmental and pollution concerns, and to those who have advocated restrictions on Hindu festivals.

The row began after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, or BMC, launched a campaign to spread awareness about pollution control during Diwali. A video message by actress Dia Mirza was part of this initiative, in which she requested Mumbai residents to skip firecrackers and celebrate an eco-friendly festival by lowering noise and air pollution.

Following the release of that video, political and entertainment figures weighed in. Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande, speaking to IANS, said Mumbai's air quality index was deteriorating and that there was no doubt about it. She said such difficulties recur every year in October, November and December across the country, with the situation varying between cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. She added that some regulation was necessary and that the environment must be considered along with celebrating festivals.

Samajwadi Party state president and MLA Abu Azmi also responded to the firecracker debate. He said it was a form of goondagardi for people to say they would burst firecrackers as per their own wishes. Azmi criticised Nitesh Rane, claiming he often spoke against the Constitution while the government sat quietly. Azmi said pollution was a serious matter and asked people to let minor leaders speak, not to delete any posts, and to make efforts to clean up Mumbai's air. He stated that he believed bursting firecrackers should be stopped completely.