As we step into the New Year, another festive season has come and gone, leaving behind memories that remind us of how fleeting time is. Yet, amidst this ephemerality of life, traditions endure. In Mokokchung, the annual New Year’s Eve celebration, a cherished event since the 1970s, exemplifies the enduring nature of traditions. However, traditions are not immutable – they evolve, adapt, and sometimes fade, giving way to new practices.
In recent years, Mokokchung has witnessed the emergence of a new ‘tradition’ during festive seasons: the widespread bursting of firecrackers. While this practice has gained popularity, it warrants closer scrutiny before it becomes firmly entrenched. Firecrackers are a new cultural import, alien to Naga traditions, yet their adoption has been swift, particularly among children who now associate them with festive joy. This new ‘tradition’ has arrived with a bang quite literally. If left unchecked, this practice could become a defining tradition within a generation.
However, this new trend raises significant concerns. Firecrackers are not only environmentally harmful – contributing to air and noise pollution – but also pose safety hazards. Their rampant use undermines the essence of community-centered celebrations, replacing them with chaotic and often harmful displays. Ironically, despite standing orders from the district administration and civil society organizations prohibiting the bursting of firecrackers, enforcement has been lax, and the practice continues unabated.
The community must deliberate whether firecrackers should be allowed to become a tradition. Traditions should enrich cultural identity and promote unity, not harm the environment or compromise safety. Instead of normalizing firecrackers, efforts could focus on reviving and enhancing existing traditions, such as Christmas carols or community-centered celebrations, which are deeply rooted in local culture.
Regulatory measures can play a pivotal role. Fireworks for entertainment could be permitted on special occasions under strict supervision by competent authorities, ensuring minimal environmental and safety risks. However, it is felt that rampant and unsupervised use must be curbed to prevent long-term consequences.
As Mokokchung faces this evolving cultural practice, it is vital to reflect on the values and practices that define its identity. By promoting traditions that are meaningful, sustainable, and rooted in collective well-being, the community can ensure that its celebrations remain a source of joy and pride for generations to come. Meanwhile, unlike their predecessors, today’s children will grow up with fond memories of rampantly bursting firecrackers during Christmas and New Year. This is enough to suggest that a new ‘tradition’ has taken root.
Thanks for breaking this down into easy-to-understand terms.