DEAR Editor,-
What has shocked me most about the reaction in the letters column to the attempted ban on fireworks in Umtentweni is the vitriolic response from people who claim to be motivated by religious conviction. The twisted arguments, the charges of racism, the sarcasm, the vengeful threats of an increased aural assault during this year’s Diwali festival all have the distinct connotations of a clan mentality ganging up.
This is an unhealthy parochialism, entirely selfish and unconcerned with the rights and welfare of other people and animals. It is divorced from the spirit of Hinduism, which is supposed to nurture love and compassion and all the virtues that are absent every year when the rest of us come under the infernal ‘big bang’ attack.
Last year, my partner politely asked our Hindu neighbour if they would please ease up their noise, which continues for at least nine hours, and refrain from discharging the illegal big bang rockets, which land in our garden and on the roof of our house. We were told to “f…. off” and threatened with more of these big bangs.
Our nights are written off. Our cats hide under beds and behind the fridge, while the dogs rush up and down the passage terror-stricken, barking and panting, in spite of being tranquilised. We have lost owls we had in the garden, wildlife was heard rushing through the forest in terror, and the bats disappeared for months. Who is overreacting here? I’m sick of hearing the harm caused being played down.
Hinduism has evolved continuously for thousands of years, as have other religions. This offensive ritual under discussion is not set in stone. In the light of modern research and education, why can it not be adapted to conform to the tenets of respect for the rights of others, which are clearly being violated to an unacceptable degree? Why should my family and pets and the wildlife be traumatised because an archaic ritual is regarded as sacrosanct?
‘He who does not seek to kill, cause pain or tie up living creatures, and desires the good of all, attains everlasting joy.’ (Mani Smriti 5.46 – Vishmi Dharma Sutra 51.69). I can identify with that and everything I have read about Hinduism, but the annual assault I find repugnant, because it is an act of violence against every living creature within earshot.
DIWALI VICTIM
