Amid rising air pollution in Mumbai, the BMC had appealed to residents to avoid firecrackers and celebrate an environmentally friendly Diwali following directions from the Bombay High Court. To spread the message among citizens, the civic body roped in several prominent personalities from Bollywood and the cricketing world.
As part of the campaign, actress Diya Mirza, Madhuri Dixit and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane released video messages urging people to celebrate a pollution-free Diwali. However, the campaign became controversial after Amit Satam questioned Diya Mirza’s participation.
Taking to social media platform X, Satam expressed his displeasure over the actress’s involvement and wrote, “We do not need to learn from Diya how to celebrate Diwali. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture.”
Following Satam’s remarks, the controversy escalated, and the BMC removed Diya Mirza’s video from its social media platforms. However, the civic body has not yet issued any official explanation for taking down the video, further intensifying the debate.
Shaina NC also entered the controversy, saying that the cultural identity of Diwali should be understood. The Shiv Sena spokesperson said Diwali is a festival of lights and that Diya Mirza should also understand its cultural significance.
Speaking to the Press Trust of India (PTI), Shaina NC said Diwali has a distinct cultural identity. She clarified that nobody was advocating pollution or supporting the bursting of firecrackers. However, she said Mumbaikars should not be told how to celebrate their festivals.
State Minister Nitesh Rane also targeted Diya Mirza over her pollution-free Diwali campaign. Rane said the actress had tweeted about Diwali but was never seen giving similar advice during Eid, Muharram or Bakrid. He added that people who advocate an environmentally friendly Holi should also speak about celebrating Ramzan and Bakrid in an environmentally friendly manner.
Rane further alleged that people like Diya Mirza were against Sanatan Hindu Dharma. He said he would discuss the issue with the Chief Minister and focus on preventing such incidents in the future.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam also questioned Diya Mirza over the tradition of bursting firecrackers during Diwali. Nirupam said the film actress was opposing a centuries-old Diwali tradition, which includes bursting firecrackers, illuminating surrounding areas and celebrating with fireworks.
He questioned whether Diya Mirza had ever opposed members of her own community offering Friday prayers on public roads. Nirupam further said that several activities take place in the name of Islamic religious festivals that, in his view, are not accepted by all sections of society. However, he added that they had never interfered in religious matters.
The controversy has also divided social media users. Following the BMC's decision to remove the video, users questioned whether the BJP controlled the civic body and whether people needed to create a controversy to influence its decisions. One user also expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP's way of functioning.
Another user highlighted how cultural beliefs and traditions evolve over time, arguing that society's values have continued to change and that change is the only constant. Meanwhile, supporters of Amit Satam praised him for raising his objection, with one user thanking him for speaking out and another describing his stand as “Great”.
The removal of Diya Mirza’s video has turned a civic campaign focused on air pollution into a wider political and social debate over religious traditions, environmental awareness and the role of public representatives in determining how festivals should be celebrated.
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