A safe Diwali is Happy Diwali

Tasneem Sariya

Diwali, the festival of lights, is the most widely celebrated festival of India. It is time of the year when there is a palpable sense of joy in homes, offices, and communities.

Associated with lights, rangolis, sparklers, delicious food, and family bonding, the festival is also a time when the safety and security of your family members and your house can be a concern.

You must ensure that everyone enjoys the festivities wholeheartedly but also, safely. The joy of celebration will be more if we celebrate the festivities safely.

Here are a few tips: Diyas: Diyas are essential feature of Diwali. We must keep them away from curtains, electrical gadgets and wires, placing them on flat and firm surfaces, and should be away from the reach of babies and kids.

Firecrackers: Firecrackers are a big part of Diwali. We should burst them only during designated hours as advised by the police authorities.

Kids should burn firecrackers only when adults are present and in open spaces. Crackers with excessive noise should be avoided. Keep a bucket of water ready for use if something goes wrong.

Collect the residue of crackers and pour some water at them to ensure the half-burnt crackers are disposed as waste. Keep a first aid box at home.

Noise and Smoke: Noise and smoke are the essential outcome of lighting of lamps and firing of crackers. Noise disturbs the elders, toddlers and even pets. It is better the firecrackers are ignited only in playgrounds and away from homes.

Some people tie firecrackers to tails of street dogs to have extra fun. Animals should not be subjected such pranks. Dressing up for Diwali: It is usual for us to wear new and jazzy clothes for Diwali.

We should not approach the oil lamps or ignite firecrackers while wearing synthetic clothes. Cotton is best suited for such clothes. Even loose or flowing dresses could be vulnerable to accidents.

Care for Environment: Noise and smoke are harmful for the environment. Use low-noise crackers. Authorities issue advisories for purchase of firecrackers. Follow them.

Firecrackers must be sold in an open place, should not be stored without proper safety norms. Advise shopkeepers to abide by these. Violation must be brought to the notice of the officials.

Diwali and Sweets: Diwali cannot be complete without sweets and gifts. Since sale of sweets is on a huge scale, several establishments might be entering the business at this time of the year.

We need to buy sweets only from reputed shops. A lot of packaging goes into exchange of sweets and gifts. We need to see how we can reduce or reuse the attractive boxes and wrappings.

Diwali is time for light, love and laughter. It is time to set up bonds and make our ties stronger with those in touch with us. We need to see how these relationships could be made more enduring and joyful. Wishing you Happy Diwali!