Mumbai's asli phatakadis

15-year self-imposed phataka ban for this housing society and nobody's complaining

15-year self-imposed phataka u00a0ban for this housing society and nobody's complaining

It's a 15-year-old tradition at Padmanabh building at Gopal Lane in Ghatkopar (west).

Children residing in the five-storey structure don't burst crackers during Diwali and instead channelise their energy into honing their talents.

According to residents, "The ban on crackers is a relief and helps us enjoy Diwali even more."

It began with

Around 15 years ago, resident Ratansingh Satra's grandson Dhaval and two children suffered serious burn injuries while playing with crackers.

Since then, Dhaval's mother Mukta announced a reward for children who say no to crackers.

Celebrations With a Difference: The zealous residents of Padmanabh building in Ghatkopar.

Ramila Patel, a resident of the building, said, "The kids are not forced to stop bursting crackers. They do it voluntarily."

However, that does not stop them from enjoying the festival. The building has been organising events like diya decoration, drawing rangoli and fancy dress for the past six years.

"The events enable the kids to be at their creative best.

They are also an indicator of the hidden talents in children," explained Jagruti and Heena Gala. According to the elders in the society, the children put in their best and work day and night to excel at these competitions.

Mind It!

The Pollution Control Board has imposed a ban on sale of crackers that make sound above 120-125 decibels

A 90 decibel noise is tolerable to the human ears.

Anything more may cause permanent damageu00a0

Bursting crackers within a 100 metre radius of schools, hospitals, courts and religious institutions is prohibited