Kalpana was loading up canisters with fried snacks. She had been busy with preparing the batter for the snacks and sweets of different shapes, tastes and textures all morning. The smell of oil and incense from the pooja filled the air.
A week before Diwali, the entire family was busy with preparations for the grand celebration. This year was no less! Balaji and Devu were making a list. Flower pots, atom bombs, hydrogen bombs, Lakshmi vedi. They even argued over what number to choose for the saram. Devu said “10000. Anything less would be a shame”. They bought a truck load of crackers to make sure this Diwali was going to be just as cacophonous and more joyful than last year.
It was the morning of Diwali. Balaji and Devu’s father arranged the crackers like sweets at a baby shower. This was definitely going to be the most spectacular show on their block. Balaji and Devu were at it non-stop. The fireworks spewed colors and shapes so magical it made people feel their dreams were coming true. The vibrant colors in the sky spelled out the beauty of their culture. Balaji and Devu lit up hydrogen bombs at the same time. They even did a countdown. 5 4 3 2 1 …. BANG!
In a town called Sivakasi about 550kms away, 8-year old Amba’s hands burst. Her small hands were now strings of charred meat hanging off her charred bone. Amba’s employer had flouted local laws and safety measures yet again!