The five high-risk Diwali activities during a pandemic

Diwali is around the corner and after eight long months of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the joy of this festival is enough to bring everyone out of their safe spaces. As a children’s healthcare foundation, we cannot stress enough on taking precautions this Diwali. Here are the five riskiest activities to do this Diwali, and what you can do instead:

1. Going shopping in crowded places
We all love buying clothes, utensils, décor etc. right before Diwali. But this year, with ongoing pandemic, marketplaces that are crowded might actually be like hotspots for the spreading of the virus.

Instead
Stick to online shopping for all your Diwali needs or else plan ahead and shop beforehand so you don’t have to step out in the pre-Diwali rush sale.

2. Attending large gatherings
Diwali feels incomplete without attending large celebrations and playing cards with friends. But being in an indoor space, with too many people only increases the risk of the virus getting spread.

Instead
Have an intimate gathering only with your close circle of friends and relatives, whose travel history you’re aware of. Making it an outdoor affair is even better!

3. Dinner/Lunch Meal Get togethers
Inviting people over for lunch or dinner during a festive time like Diwali is the norm. But since this year has been the kind we’ve never experienced, Diwali should be different too, for our own safety.

Instead
Do a virtual lunch/dinner party with your close ones and enjoy the meal together. There are a lot of courier services available for sending food, and you can easily parcel food prepared by you for your loved ones.

4. Bursting Crackers
Over the last few years the emphasis on celebrating a green Diwali has been massive, but this year we need to be even more mindful considering the Covid-19 pandemic primarily affects the respiratory system. Hazardous air quality only adds to the discomfort of anyone detected with the virus.

Instead
Get eco-friendly earthen diyas and candles and if you absolutely feel the need to burst crackers, stick to only the high-quality green crackers that have been developed by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs.

5. Being casual about the pandemic
Among the festivities of Diwali, a lot of people have started neglecting precautions while considering only the high rate of Covid-19 recoveries in India and justifying all activities in the name of Diwali.

Instead
Ensure that you’re wearing a mask at all times and keep sanitizers at a safe distance from any lamps/diyas/crackers or any other inflammable objects. Keep a first aid box handy for all your needs.

As different as Diwali would be, the spirit of the people is intact. After all, festivity is all about togetherness and strengthening bonds (doesn’t matter whether it’s physically or in a virtual world) We will still rejoice and celebrate with full fervor and enthusiasm without letting go of the precautions. Our children’s healthcare foundation is observing a safe Diwali and we hope the same for each and every one of you too!