Once upon a time, crackers purified air, didn’t pollute: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

Mohan Bhagwat highlighted the historical significance and environmental benefits of traditional Diwali celebrations during a recent event.

NAGPUR: Firecrackers in earlier times were not made from chemicals, and their smoke killed insects and purified the atmosphere, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said, adding that there is a scientific reason behind it. “Festivals keep the society ‘alive’ and will never stop despite some people trying to do so,” he said.Bhagwat pointed out that a “special kind” of air prevailed in the environment as ghee lamps and oil lamps were lit. “Such practices should be followed with an understanding of the science behind them. This will keep the atmosphere pure, and also bring joy to our life,” he said.The RSS chief was speaking at a Diwali event of Maheshwari Panchayat in Nagpur on Tuesday. Stressing that festivals are part of the fabric of Indian society, he said, “Festivals have been held since eternal times and they will continue.”On how festivals should be celebrated, Bhagwat said, “They should continue in their pure form, so that we keep getting the benefits they are meant to give. If all of us take care of this, we won’t have to worry about anything in life. Because of this, a person, society and humanity across the world remain safe along with the environment.”Bhagwat said Diwali is now getting its due place of importance across the world. “Diwali was earlier celebrated only in India, but is now celebrated in the parliaments of US and UK too.

The world is realising that Indians should be wished on Diwali, knowing this is a day when every Indian is joyful, clean, pure and ready to serve, because doing charity at festivals is also our tradition,” he said.

The RSS chief also asked people to follow rules that govern society. “In the house, society and city where we live, rules and laws are for all and framed to make everyone’s life good. If we are not correcting our mistakes, we should start doing it now,” he said.