Is this really the Bhogi tradition?

by January 13, 2018 Environment

On Bhogi, people discard old and derelict things and look for new things that signal change or transformation. At dawn, people light a bonfire with logs of wood, other combustible stuff  (mainly knick knacks that are no longer useful at home).

We knew it was coming. The burning of random stuff in the name of tradition. The pollution on Bhogi day. The itching eyes, burning throat, breathlessness..

But it turned out to be much worse than last year. Probably because we actually have a winter this year. so cooler temperatures, combined with zero wind this morning, caused a dense impenetrable blanket of smog over the city this morning. What a nightmare start to the day!

Is this really tradition? Is this how we have always celebrated this wonderful festival of love and prosperity? Time for a rethink. Here are some pictures and comments from citizens across Chennai

“They really should have some government directive for this. Can’t breathe.” Padma Mahadevan, Thiruvanmiyur

A gloomy smoggy morning at Thiruvanmiyur beach. Pic: Padma Mahadevan

“Does tradition have to mean pollution, health hazard and public inconvenience?.. When there are a million beautiful, meaningful, and harmless ways to celebrate…”Anupama Shivaraman, Lloyds Road

“I should anticipate this and leave Tamil Nadu for a few days in future. This is hell for asthmatics.”  Suma Jacob, Kotturpuram

“Two birds collided outside my window this morning. I have never seen anything like this before. Can you imagine how bad the visibility must have been? – Pradyun Iyer, Thoraipakkam

“So dangerous to be driving this morning. Even at 7 am, I can’t see the road ahead of me. Now I empathise with my Delhi friends.” – Archana Stalin, K K Nagar

A view from a car navigating Koyambedu bus stand, near zero visibility. Pic: Archana Stalin

“At 10 am, the sun looked like the moon. Never seen this in Chennai before.” Vishwa Radhakrishnan, Madipakkam

Sections:

About Meenakshi Ramesh

Meenakshi Ramesh is involved in civic initiatives in Chennai and anchors the Chennai edition of Citizen Matters. She has also worked with Pratham. She can be reached at meenakshi@citizenmatters.in
Read more by Meenakshi Ramesh

Comments:

  1. Heidi Ropa says:
    January 14, 2018 at 4:32 am

    You are inspiring my friend. Keep up the good work!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Similar Story

Implement policies to protect wetlands and prevent flooding: Citizen’s Charter for Pallikaranai Watershed

by September 10, 2026 Environment
Through the report, the Pallikaranai Collective demands urgent action to stop encroachment and concretisation in Chennai's wetlands.

The Citizen’s Charter for the Pallikaranai Watershed has called for watershed-based planning and immediate implementation of state policies to protect wetlands and waterways in one of Chennai's most flood-prone areas. The charter, compiled by the Oorvani Foundation and the Chennai Wetlands Action Collective (CWAC), was released on Wednesday by the Pallikaranai Collective, a coalition of civil society organisations, environmental groups, resident welfare associations, activists and conservation experts striving to protect the Pallikaranai watershed region. The report documents issues ranging from wetland degradation, encroachment by construction projects, sewage and solid waste pollution and blocked canals to poorly planned restoration works and…

Continue reading

Similar Story

Designing cooler cities: What makes public spaces truly liveable for children?

by September 10, 2026 Environment
Rising temperatures and unshaded parks are keeping Delhi's children indoors. Experts call for child-friendly, passive cooling design for public spaces.

Every afternoon around 2 pm when school ends, nine-year-old Rian looks forward to playing basketball. The neighbourhood park near his home does not have a basketball hoop, so he often uses a tree as an imaginary net. A few months ago, his doctor advised his mother, Geeta Kohli, to ensure he plays daily to help manage his childhood obesity. However, during Delhi’s unforgiving summers, the heat often disrupts this routine.  Rian's tuition classes start at 5.30 pm and in the afternoon, the outdoor temperature hovers around 45 degrees Celsius, making it difficult to go out and play. By the time…

Continue reading