Diwali 2023: Do's and Don'ts for joyful, happy celebration

HYDERABAD: Diwali is that magical time of year when we all come together to celebrate the brilliance of joy, colours, and community. It's a time for celebration and the sparkle of firecrackers. However, as we prepare for the festivities, we must also ensure that they are both joyful and safe.

The L V Prasad Eye Institute offers a list of dos and don'ts for lighting firecrackers to ensure a safe and enjoyable Diwali:

Dr Anubha Rathi, Consultant Ophthalmologist at the LVPEI’s Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, Hyderabad, believes that "Diwali is a time for celebration, and safety should be an integral part of it. It's crucial to be mindful of the impact of our actions on our health, the people around us, and our surroundings."

Dos

• Purchase fireworks only from authorised manufacturers and let them dry in the sun for two days.
• Firecrackers should be stored safely in cardboard boxes, out of reach of children and away from flammable materials such as gas cylinders or oil cans.
• Always supervise children closely while they play with firecrackers.
• Allow only one person to light a firecracker at a time while others watch from a safe distance.
• Choose open areas for lighting firecrackers.
• Utilize long candles or phuljharis to ignite firecrackers.
• Keep two buckets of water nearby to douse any burns immediately, and for more severe burns, wrap the victim in a clean bedsheet and rush them to the hospital.
• Always wear protective shatterproof goggles when bursting firecrackers.

Don'ts

• Avoid lighting crackers while holding them in your hand.
• Refrain from bending over firecrackers while lighting them.
• Never light crackers inside a container, such as a bottle, tin can, or overturned pot, as this can be highly hazardous.
• Exercise patience and avoid approaching firecrackers that do not ignite immediately.
• Do not collect leftover firecrackers to create homemade versions or carry them in your pocket.
• Keep firecrackers away from burning candles, diyas, or agarbattis.
• Opt for thick cotton clothing, avoiding synthetic materials when lighting crackers.
• Secure all clothing tightly; loose garments can be dangerous.
• Avoid applying creams, ointments, or oils to a burnt area.
• Do not ignite flying fireworks during heavy winds.

This Diwali, ensure safety and celebration by following these guidelines to ensure a joyous and secure Diwali for everyone.