Fireworks like pyrotechnics show

CARMEN COPPING of Croydon writes:

We live in a beautiful, diverse country – and be assured that most of us would like to embrace the cultural differences we have in our neighbourhoods.

We aim to live as a community and raise our children in a peaceful and safe environment. As a non-Hindu, I do understand that Diwali is one of the most important holidays on the Hindu calendar, and I think most of the residents on our street are tolerant of a few firecrackers being set off.

My family and I always anticipate a little noise and try keep our animals inside to avoid them being too traumatised. What we had last night (November 3) was not simple firecrackers. It was a pyrotechnics display, such that my daughter came running down the passage screaming in fear of the noise, begging us to make it stop.

Festival of Lights or Festival of Explosives? It is here where I draw the line. I respect that your religion calls for firecrackers to be set off to drive off evil spirits but I think the display last night may have woken some of the dead.

In response to your comment, “This is how it is done in India” I can only say, sir, that you are not in India. Bear in mind that everyone in India would be celebrating, so the fireworks would cause no disturbance.

I also believe that in India, they would not be celebrating Diwali with alcohol, so perhaps if you are going to use your religion as a defence, you should practice it wholly and not only the parts that suit you?

You have a right to your religion but my children have a right to not feel afraid and our neighbourhood has a right to expect that the by-laws of the municipality be upheld.

I am not an expert on the by-laws of fireworks in Kempton Park but I am sure that only a certain grade of firework may be set off in a residential area. I am also sure there is a limit to the times they may be set off, as well as to where they may be set off.

Your property borders the park. I am sure this poses a huge fire risk. A clue that the neighbourhood is not happy with your actions is having an angry mob and the police at your gate asking you to stop several times, I might add.

You expect us to respect your right to religion but you cannot respect that we have rights too? Is living in harmony not doing what you need to do without encroaching on the rights of others?

Do you think that next time, we could find a way to make it work for everyone? Perhaps next time we can respect that not all children are used to firecrackers and having a barrage of explosions just above their house causes intense fear?

Perhaps we could respect that children have to get to bed in time to have a good night’s rest, in order to be their best at school the next day? Perhaps the resident that works for the emergency services and has just come off a 48-hour shift can expect to get some sleep?

Perhaps the resident who lost his dog last night due to the noise can expect not to have the same thing happen again? I remember when I was younger, my parents used to approach our neighbours if we were going to have a party or neighbourhood disturbance and let everyone know that there was going to be some noise, but they would try keep it to a reasonable level and it would be over at a certain time (although we never used fireworks).

They also gave them a telephone number and said that if it did cause anyone distress, that they should call. We had our parties, and they were over when they said it was going to be over.

No-one ever called to complain. In the times that we currently live in, it’s really great that your religion gives you reason to celebrate, but I don’t think your deities expected you to celebrate at the expense of others.

Does Hinduism not also promote compassion for others?