Bursting balloons instead of crackers

It was my milestone birthday.  I decided to celebrate it with the less privilege children in an institute.  There were around 100 childre.

I sat with the nuns and planned the party.  They were co-operative.  The hall was decorated with a blue and white theme.  The children had blue and white ribbons.  Even the balloons were in blue and white. One thing I did not want was to burst crackers which is what is expected at any celebration.

I told the nuns to place the balloons on the floor scattered all over. After the cake was cut, I told the nuns I would not want crackers but children should burst the balloons.

As soon as the cake was cut and the children  sang the happy birthday song they immediately picked up the balloons and started bursting them.  It made a happy sound.  There was no fire and there was no smoke but a great sound that brought in my birthday.

The children were in their elements.  This was the first time that they were ever allowed to burst balloons which are supposed to adorn the venue.

I was happy that I contributed to a pollution less party.  Bursting crackers can pollute the air around not to speak of dangers if the crackers break in one’s hand which has happened many a time.

However, to satisfy the kids I have let them light sparklers at yet another event. Sparklers are safe.  They brighten up the place but make  no noise.

We hear of so many accidents caused by crackers and yet nothing is done to ban crackers.  The animals get badly affected by the noise and get disturbed specially during the festive season when one can hear crackers at every nook and corner.

Finally it is the individual that has to take a decision without waiting for any official ban. There are many ways one can celebrate events and it is hoped that better sense will prevail.