Diwali 2025: Embracing Green Crackers for a Brighter, Cleaner, and More Joyous Festival

As the auspicious festival of Diwali approaches in 2025, the air buzzes not just with excitement, but also with a growing awareness about environmental responsibility. While the tradition of lighting crackers adds a unique sparkle to the celebrations, concerns about air and noise pollution have led to a significant shift towards more sustainable alternatives: green crackers.

Developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), green crackers represent a revolutionary step in sustainable celebrations.

Unlike traditional fireworks, which often release a cocktail of harmful chemicals and particulate matter, green crackers are designed to minimize their environmental footprint. They achieve this by reducing the emission of particulate matter (PM) by 30-35%, and significantly cutting down on harmful gases like sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

A key difference lies in their composition; green crackers either avoid or drastically reduce the use of hazardous chemicals such as barium nitrate, replacing them with safer alternatives.

But how exactly do these eco-friendly marvels work, and what varieties can you expect to find? CSIR-NEERI has innovated several types of green crackers, each with unique features aimed at reducing pollution:

• SWAS (Safe Water Releaser): These crackers are engineered to release water vapor, which actively suppresses dust particles and reduces both SO2 and NO2 emissions by an impressive 30-35%.

  Imagine the magic of fireworks with an added touch of environmental care!

• SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium): As the name suggests, SAFAL crackers use significantly less aluminum. They cleverly substitute aluminum with magnesium, leading to a substantial reduction in smoke production, ensuring clearer skies and cleaner air.
• STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): Breaking away from convention, STAR crackers completely avoid the use of potassium nitrate and sulphur.

  This innovative composition results in a drastic decrease in particulate matter and noise levels, offering a quieter yet equally vibrant display.

Identifying genuine green crackers is crucial to ensure your celebrations are truly eco-conscious. The key identifiers are a distinctive green logo from CSIR-NEERI and a unique QR code.

This QR code acts as a verification tool, allowing you to scan and confirm the authenticity of the product, ensuring you're purchasing certified, environmentally friendly crackers.

The move towards green crackers is not just about compliance with regulations; it's about fostering a mindful approach to our cherished traditions.

The Supreme Court's consistent emphasis on controlling pollution during festivals highlights the urgent need for change. By choosing green crackers, we are actively contributing to cleaner air, healthier communities, and a safer environment for everyone to enjoy the festive spirit. This Diwali 2025, let's illuminate our homes and hearts with the glow of tradition, powered by the promise of a sustainable future.