Spooky perks

Sir — Ghosts are usually feared beings. But, for some, they may seem like a welcome presence. Parts of the hospitality industry, for instance, would not mind a ghost or two in hotels. Far from scaring off guests, it seems that supposed supernatural presences at old hotels significantly boost bookings. Many hotels rumoured to house ghosts have thus tapped into this interest in the paranormal by giving guests digital recorders and electromagnetic field meters to detect paranormal activity. With new hotels popping up at every corner, the spirits might be giving older establishments a quiet helping hand.

Aditi Roy, Calcutta

Noisy festival

Sir — It has been proven, once again, that fairy lights and firecrackers have replaced the use of diyas during Diwali. The potter community in India hasthus taken a hit. There was a time when people used to place orders for clay diyas in advance, ensuring that the potters stayed busy long before the festival began. The light from diyas does not cause strain to our eyes unlike harsh electric lights; diyas also do not pollute the environment like firecrackers do.

Priyanka Saurabh, Hisar, Haryana

Sir — Lighting lamps and candles during Diwali may beautify our surroundings but the excessive use of fairy lights consumes a significant amount of electricity. The bursting of firecrackers causes severe environmental pollution, with some of them producing loud noises as well that adversely impact humans and animals alike. Firecrackers may also cause burn injuries or start a fire. What is the need to indulgein activities that carrysuch risks?

Deborshi Gautam, Nalbari, Assam

Sir — The report, “Pet trauma as decibel demon runs riot” (Nov 1), reminded me of my pet dog, Cozy, and her immense suffering each Diwali night when loud noises from firecrackers would frighten her and make her hide under the bed. It is painful for pet parents to see their pets undergo so much stress.

Sourish Misra, Calcutta

Sir — The huge sums of money wasted on firecrackers during Diwali — sellers in West Bengal expected a Rs 15,000 crore turnover this year — would be better spent on the uplift of the poor through donations to orphanages, care homes for the aged and so on. Firecrackers pollute the environment and frighten birds and animals. We should avoid them or limit their use. We must also clear up the mess left behind by firecrackers now that the festivities are over.

Jubel D’cruz, Mumbai

Sir — The noise pollution caused by fireworks upsets animals. Each year during this festival, pets become restless and lethargic, losing their appetite and facing indigestion. They should not have to suffer for the sake of human enjoyment.

Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana

Sir — The steps taken by the government to reduce pollution during Diwali have failed yet again as citizens stymie the implementation of these measures. The following things should be kept in mind for the future. Avoiding the use of fairy lights and opting for diyas and candles can save electricity. We should also abstain from using firecrackers and dispose of garbage properly after the celebrations. Environment-friendly material should be chosen for gifts and decor: rangoli made out of natural colours and biodegradable plates to serve guests, for example.

Pinaki Nandy, Shillong

Sir — Pollution levels in Delhi have reached a critical point with people flouting the ban on firecrackers. Stricter action must be taken to protect the environment and prevent further degradation of Delhi’s air quality.

Jakir Hussain, Kanpur