Some residents are opposing the tradition on the grounds of environmental pollution. Others feel that if the development policies incorporate environmental concerns, traditions do not have to be questioned.
A stack of wood and grass at Sector 6
Days before Holi, one can see heaps of wood and other combustible materials stacked on the roadsides and vacant lands of Dwarka. This is because Dwarka residents are preparing for the tradition of Holika Dahan, or the burning of Holika on the eve of Holi. The story of Holika, a demoness, goes back to Hindu Vedic scriptures, in which she was burnt to death with the help of God Vishnu, and has, over the decades, come to signify the victory of good over evil.
However, despite it becoming cemented as a Holi ritual, not everyone is looking forward to it. The environmentally conscious in the sub-city are debating the repercussions of the tradition on social media groups.
Suman Malik, a resident of Sector 6, said, “Burning always results in the release of toxic gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The fumes release small particles into the air, which can cause asthma and skin allergies. To make matters worse, in cities people burn plyboards in the name of Holika, which contain toxic chemicals. I strongly oppose burning anything in the name of Holika Dahan. We should change our customs according to the times.”
Anandita Kar Roy, a member of the Green Circle Group of Dwarka, added, “We should not celebrate the festival by going against nature.”
The residential societies of Dwarka look at Holika Dahan as a community activity. Therefore, with growing urbanisation, the number of Holika pyres, too, are multiplying.
Diwan Singh, convener of Natural Heritage First, an organisation working on environment conservation, said, “Holika Dahan is part of our culture, and I do not oppose it. But I oppose the increasing number of pyres. People should come together at one place and observe the ritual.”
Diwan added, “The appalling pollution levels can largely be attributed to the government. The government is blindly pursuing its mandate of urbanisation with no regard for the environment.”
But a large section of the community favours Holika Dahan. They feel that if the government's development policies start incorporating environmental concerns, traditions like these do not have to be questioned at all.
According to Hindu mythology, Holika was the sister of demon king Hiranyakashipu who had attempted several times to take the life of his pious, God-fearing son Prahlad. During one such attempt, Hiranyakashyapu had asked Holika to sit on a bonfire with Prahlad on her lap. The king knew that Holika had a special cloak garment that prevented her from being harmed by fire. But as the fire roared, the garment flew off Holika and covered Prahlad. Holika burnt to death while Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, remained unharmed.
