The much-loved festival of Diwali, with its multitude of colours and vibes, is just around the corner and it’s time to let the festive spirit kick in. This year, however, has forced the festivities to take a back seat. While we cannot let the pandemic take over our lives, it does pay to be cautious and stay safe in all we do.
Here is a list of dos and don’ts for a safe Diwali.
DO light up your home
The magic of Diwali is in the festive lights that you see everywhere. Decorate your home with strings of twinkling fairy lights, rows of clay diyas and lovely, traditional brass lamps. Diwali lights symbolise the all-pervasive inner spiritual light that protects us from all forms of evil. This year, when the world is fighting the darkness of the pandemic, it’s all the more important that we take refuge in the golden glow of Diwali lighting.
DO share gifts
Diwali is a time to share gifts and spread happiness. This year, let’s help those who are less fortunate than us. Let’s try to bring some light into their lives with gifts that show them how much we care. For our loved ones, we can gift immunity boosters this year; amla murabbas, ginger sweets, and nutty confections are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants.
DO plan DIY crafts
Get the children together and create some DIY decorations with coloured paper, tinsel, and string. If you can’t get flowers because markets are closed, try making paper flowers; the advantage is that they don’t fade. Custom DIY decoration kits are available in the market for your convenience.
DO refresh your home décor
Diwali is the time of year when homes are refurbished and home décor is given an uplift. Don’t let the pandemic put your plans on hold. Go ahead and make plans to paint your home, install new kitchen cabinets or give your upholstery a facelift this festive season.
DO follow all health precautions
Take care to follow hygiene mandates, and make sure that the little ones in your family do the same. This means staying a safe 6 feet away from others, wearing your mask when you are outdoors, and keeping your hands sanitised. Avoid greeting others with a hug; a Namaste is the best way to do it.
DON’T throw a party—unless it’s a virtual one
While Diwali parties may have been the way to go in previous years, this year do remember that any gatherings of more than 10 to 30 in the same place are frowned upon. But there’s no limit on virtual gatherings, so do plan a Zoom call or a Group Video Chat in Facebook Messenger. Get together with family and friends in spirit, if not in person.
Plan a live karaoke night or a lively dance session online.
DON’T eat out
This year, find ways of celebrating indoors with your loved ones and make the day as special as you can. Avoid eating out at restaurants, as they are likely to be crowded. Cook a fancy Diwali dinner at home, and try your hand at making simple Diwali sweets yourself.
Nothing tastes better than a home-cooked feast with family.
DON’T pollute the air
Diwali crackers are known to pollute the air and cause several health issues such as respiratory illnesses, asthma, high blood pressure, and so on. The chemicals from the crackers leach into the ground and water and contaminate the earth as well. Every year, we hear of children losing their eyesight or getting severely burnt because of poor quality crackers. What’s more, the children working in cracker factories have severe health issues because of the constant exposure to toxic metals in the firecrackers. Think of them and the environment – this year, let’s celebrate a green Diwali. Say no to crackers.
We hope these tips will help you light up your celebrations even amidst the pandemic. Here’s wishing you and your loved ones a safe, healthy and happy Diwali.
This article is contributed by Dipti Das, AVP-Design, HomeLane.com.
(The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of RoofandFloor)