The festival of lights "Diwali" is one of the most awaited festivals of the year and is one of my favorites. One loves everything about Diwali - the sweets, the gifts, house full of Diyas, the firecrackers, its real fun.
Diwali is a 5 day festival, celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil. It is observed each year at some point during mid-October to mid-November in many countries such as India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Nepal, or where there are large Indian communities living such as in Canada, Britain, and New Zealand.
Diwali, brings fun, joy and togetherness. Children and youth look eagerly forward for the arrival of the festival. In fact, they begin bursting of crackers and playing with fireworks well before the festival. Diwali marks the triumph of good over evil and dispels darkness. Unfortunately, improper handling and playing with fireworks, mar the celebrations every year.
Diwali brings with it a lot of concerns too. Environment Concerns, Safety Concerns, Concern for Animals. When Diwali is a festival of celebration, why should such concerns be given a place. So, my message for everyone is to try and celebrate Diwali in the most fun way but with as much consideration for everything around you.
Every year a number of people across the country, lose their eyesight and sustain burns during the festival. Property is also damaged in mishaps.
It's the festival of lights and with all the diyas lighting up your home and crackers boosting your excitement level, don't ignore the simple steps of caution which prevent the joyous occasion turning into a scarred one.
The day of Diwali records more sound pollution than all the other days combined together in the year. Pets are afraid of the sounds made by the crackers on the day. The bomb sounds are deafening even for the human beings.
Some naughty children do not think of anything but lighting crackers and do not care if they are on the road or if there are vehicles. There is always a danger of vehicles catching fire or the crackers harming someone else. And, the crackers release lot of harmful metals into the atmosphere and the smoke from the crackers is always choking. Well, we definitely do not want a day of celebration to bring so many evils upon us, right?
So here we suggest some Dos and don'ts to make your Diwali a happy and prosperous Diwali.
Do's:
* An adult should always supervise the use of fireworks by children.
* Check the area before igniting fireworks to ensure that all inflammable and combustible materials are removed.
* Follow all safety precautions issued with the fireworks.
* Use a candle or an agarbathi to ignite fireworks. They burn without an open flame and provide a greater and safer distance between your hands and thefireworks.
* Open flames from matches and lighters can cause additional fire hazards.
* Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby to extinguish any incipient fire.
* Keep burn ointments handy.
* Use fireworks only outdoors.
* Wear protective goggles while lighting fireworks to prevent eye injuries.
* Light only one firework at a time.
* Firecrackers, bombs and flowerpots should not be lighted holding them. It is always safer to light them from the side without bending over them.
* Move away quickly before they burst.
* Hold lighted sparklers away from the body.
* Flying fireworks - rockets, missiles, etc. - should always be lighted in open grounds pointing straight up.
* Discard used fireworks in a bucket of water.
* Wear close-fitting clothes of thick material instead of loose or flowing garments.
* Store fireworks in a cool and dry place.
* Consult an opthalmologist immediately in case of eye injuries.
Don'ts:
* Never give fireworks to small children.
* Never ignite fireworks while holding them. Put them down, then ignite them and walk away.
* Do not put fireworks in any container to ignite.
* Never mix anything with the contents of fireworks or make fireworks at home.
* Never ignite aerial fireworks where overhead obstruction (trees, wires, etc.) may interfere with trajectory into open air space.
* Never ignite an aerial firework near an opening to a building.
* Never use fireworks inside a vehicle.
* Never re-light a firework which has not burnt properly. Wait for 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
* Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
* Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
* Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
* Ensure that your children don't engage in dangerous pranks such as throwing lighted crackers or sparklers at others, or try to make fireworks themselves.
Following these precutions can go a long way in ensuring a safe Diwali.
Happy Diwali Guys
