NEW DELHI India shut down Thursday to celebrate the biggest Hindu festival of Diwali but sales of firecrackers across the country were dampened by an environmental drive which is gaining momentum.
According to an AFP report, banks, businesses, offices, schools and colleges closed for the annual celebrations which also heralds the Hindu New Year, but the Bombay stock exchange said it would conduct a special session later Thursday to mark Diwali.
Diwali, which is celebrated with fireworks and illuminations, symbolizes prosperity and goodwill.
Indian President K.R. Narayanan, sent out greetings to federal ministers of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's cabinet, officials here said.
"May the Festival of Lights usher in gaiety, goodwill and prosperity to our people and illumine their hearts with compassion for those who are deprived and poor," Narayanan said in his message.
Vajpayee was visited by scores of his followers at his official residence where he is recovering from aknee surgery. He also sent similar messages.
Environmental forums and state governments, meanwhile, appealed against the use of firecrackers saying they not only spewed out pollution but encouraged the growth of an industry employing child labor on low wages.
New Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit urged the capital's children to say no' to firecrackers.
"Widespread use of firecrackers increases air pollution by six to 10 times and leads to health problems ... moreover noise pollution beyond 125 decibels can even cause deafness," Dixit said.
She urged people to shun firecrackers "so that we can also help reduce exploitation of small children, who are engaged in manufacturing firecrackers." India's estimated three-billion rupee (67-million dollar) firecracker industry in the southern state of Tamil Nadu engages around 45,000 children and frequent accidents lead to heavy fatalities.
Delhi fireworks sellers' association reported a significant dip in sales and attributed it to the growing environmental campaigns as well as rising inflation, which stands around seven percent.
"The campaign has gained momentum in schools across the country and has caught the imagination of the children," said Om Prakash Gupa, a member of the association.
In Bombay, despite the holiday, markets bustled with shoppers buying gifts for relatives and friends as part of a Diwali tradition, witnesses said, adding that interest in firecrackers were on the wane in the crowded city.
The New Delhi Fire Department, which combats some 300 blazes on an average every Diwali, in a separate appeal asked residents to discourage the use of firecrackers.
"We too want to celebrate Diwali with our family. Only you can ensure a fire accident free Diwali and our holiday ... say no to crackers," the department said in a public appeal.
The federal pollution control board listing the toxic contents of firecrackers said their use during Diwali polluted city environments and could cause respiratory and cardiac ailments.