Bright lights, raging fires, and the crackle of firecrackers: the Hindu celebration of Diwali is famed for its extravagant and showy rituals. But this year, with a statewide ban on firecrackers, such displays must dim. Given that Edison is home to over 37,000 Indians, most of whom are Hindu, this legislation may have implications for future religious celebrations.
For much of the past month, New Jersey has seen a lack of precipitation. These dry conditions, coupled with abnormally high temperatures, cause officials to classify the state as now in “extreme” drought, the first one since 2002.
As a result of the drought, wildfires have blazed through New Jersey, from Bergen and Essex to Camden and Cumberland. Additionally, large water reservoirs that provide water to millions of homes and businesses are at the lowest capacity they have been in over twenty years.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has thus implemented statewide Stage 3 Fire Restrictions in response to the drought, which includes a ban on firecrackers and bonfires. Edison Mayor Sam Joshi has echoed this caution, emphasizing that even small fires and candles may lead to large fires and are thus banned.
Certain members of Edison’s Indian community expressed their disappointment in the ban due to its disruption of long-standing holiday traditions.
“Every year most of my family gathers up to celebrate Diwali together and the most fun part is always lighting fireworks on the driveway,” said Ritik Gera ‘26, the co-chair of Edison High School’s Peacock Society, a club dedicated to celebrating South Asian culture. “We always buy the jumbo box from Costco, and it’s upsetting that we won’t be able to take part in such a beloved tradition this year.”
With the ban, much of Edison’s Indian community has shifted focus to different forms of celebration. While such a ban has barred some celebrations, many families engaged in poojas (a form of Indian prayer) and focused on the spiritual aspects of Diwali.
“I think that while many of the Hindu population might be a bit sad that they can’t use fireworks this year, I’m sure they can understand since we’re in a statewide drought,” said Parth Shidhaye ‘27. “Instead of fireworks, I did a pooja with my family and overall spent more with family and friends.”
Such a ban also resulted in a change in township celebrations, most significantly the third annual Diwali festival at Papaianni Park. Rather than including fireworks in this year’s celebration, the township opted for a drone show for the first time ever while also putting over a hundred thousand lights on display around the park.
“[The drone show] will showcase a beautiful display of lights in the sky, and the township is thrilled to offer this unique experience to its residents,” said Mayor Joshi before the event, according to NJ.com. The celebration also consisted of numerous food trucks, vendors, and live performances.
While celebrators of Diwali missed the fiery displays that are widely regarded as the highlight of the celebration, the spirit of the festival of lights still echoed throughout the Edison community this year. Adapting to the drought conditions and a growing need to be more environmentally conscious, Edison’s Hindu population was able to celebrate Diwali through unfamiliar yet enjoyable methods.
