Isnt Diwali a big nuisance of the old, ailing and animals?

I have seen so many old and ailing men and women finding it difficult to handle the sound and dust of firecrackers. They almost curse the youngsters who make their lives miserable. Dogs and Cats run away hearing the cracker sounds, some loose their mental ability and never come back, not to talk about birds who live in fear almost every second. How can we make Diwali celebration better for animals and old people? Isn't it a serious waste of money, bursting crackers and messing up the streets with gunpowder remnants? Your opinion on the same...