Green Crackers, Diwali And Coronavirus: Karnataka Treads Middle Path

After announcing a cracker ban ahead of Deepavali amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, the state government in Karnataka last week changed its mind within hours and said "green crackers would be allowed". Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said the rethink was prompted by the feedback. Many people had taken to social media, saying a ban on crackers was anti-hindu. As the state government treads the middle path, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Ashwath Narayan told NDTV, "Government has permitted green crackers. Along with the festival, culturally we are used to burning crackers. So to balance Covid-19 (response) and the environment, the government has permitted green crackers to celebrate the festival."