This set contains snapshots of the experience of Diwali - The festival of lights. I have also included some shots of fireworks which have their unique visual appeal when viewed in an abstract fashion.
Rangolis feature decorative designs made on floors of living rooms and courtyards during Diwali and are meant as sacred welcoming areas for the god.
Sev is a fried, extruded snack preparation which is prepared by using besan (gram flour) and spices.
'Anaar' is a conical firework which is widely used in Diwali celebrations.
'Chakri' or 'Chakli' is a small firework which spins around on the floor upon ignition.
Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas or dipas) in Sanskrit: ???) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil.
The violet coloured streaks are typical of a firework containing Potassium Nitrate.
Strontium or Lithium Carbonates are used to create fireworks which give out Intense Red flames upon explosion.
A normal yellow firework, containing Sodium Nitrate.
Green colour is imparted in fireworks by the addition of Barium Salts (such as Barium Chloride).
Orange colour is caused by addition of Calcium salts (Calcium Chloride, etc).
Ideal colourants produce a pure and intense colour when present in a reasonable concentration.
Many of these compunds used in colourants have some toxicity, which can cause skin sensitivity or inhalation hazards.