Diwali 2023: Tips to Celebrate Safely Amid the Pandemic

Diwali is one of the most popular festivals in India that is keenly looked forward to by people of all religions. While it is known as the festival of lights, Diwali is also associated with the noisy sound of firecrackers and the pollution that spreads in the environment courtesy of the smoke emitted by them. With time, more and more people are acknowledging the importance of celebrating a Diwali that is devoid of noise or pollution.

 

The pandemic that resulted from the spread of the Sars-CoV-2 virus infection has made a large number of people across the globe introspect on their lifestyle choices and the way that they lead their lives in general. If a virus can stop the world from functioning normally, one can only wonder what the long-term effects of consistent sound and noise pollution could be.

 

Working from home for several months at a stretch has helped family members get closer to each other and understand the importance of celebrating the joys of life together. Now it is time to rethink your Diwali celebrations so that you will remain safe and protected while enjoying this magnificent festival of joy and light to the fullest.

 

Here are some tips for celebrating Diwali safely this year amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Don’t Invite Too Many Guests

Whenever there is a Diwali celebration, people tend to invite many of their friends and relatives to celebrate the festival with them. While it was acceptable and safe to prepare an elaborate guest list for Diwali two years ago, the present situation has compelled us to think differently. With new Covid-19 cases being reported every day in India (and elsewhere), we still need to take some safety precautions and adhere to the principles of social distancing. This year, to ensure the safety of your loved ones and yourself, celebrate Diwali with only your close family members and a few friends. 

 

Gift Your Family a Health Insurance Policy

Giving gifts to your loved ones is one of the most important rituals of Diwali. Instead of gifting boxes of sweets or an electronic gadget, buy them something that would help them in the long run. Choose a health insurance policy for your family and gift it to them on the occasion of Diwali.

 

Providing them with the best health insurance out there would be the most thoughtful gift this Diwali. Some health insurance benefits, especially with the health insurance policy, include coverage of hospitalisation expenses and cashless claim options. The importance of health insurance is understood by most people today.

 

Don’t Burst Crackers

In addition to causing air and noise pollution, bursting crackers also puts you at the risk of injuring yourself. Accidental burns are one of the biggest risk factors associated with firecrackers. Even if you take adequate safety measures during Diwali, there is a chance that you will get hurt if you are around firecrackers.

 

Also, you can save a lot of money if you refrain from spending it on firecrackers. Use this money to feed or help those who have suffered greatly because of the pandemic. You can make it a happy Diwali for them by bringing a smile to their faces. 

 

Keep The Sanitiser Away from Any Flammable Material

During the Covid-19 pandemic, sanitisers have become our constant companions. However, when you are celebrating Diwali with candles and lamps burning around you, you must put that bottle of sanitiser far away. Most sanitisers are made of alcohol, and therefore, they can catch fire in the blink of an eye. You can sanitise your hands before you step out of your room and before the festivities begin, and then avoid touching too many things. Water and soap are a more suitable alternative to sanitiser. This is one of the essential Diwali safety tips in the current pandemic. 

 

Maintain Social Distancing

 

Even if you have invited a handful of guests over or are celebrating only with the close members of your family, remember to maintain a certain distance while interacting or celebrating the festival with them. Instead of a hug or a handshake, greet them with a ‘namaste’ or a ‘hello.’ While serving them sweets, food, and other refreshments, make sure that you do not go very close to them.

 

You can also get on a video call and initiate a virtual celebration if you do not want to miss out on celebrating Diwali with the many friends and relatives you have. 

 

Cook Food at Home

During Diwali, a lot of families prefer ordering food from a restaurant or a street food joint. Despite the precautions being taken by eateries and food outlets, it is best to avoid eating or ordering outside food during the pandemic, as homemade meals are best for you. Cooking food at home helps in strengthening the bond between the members of a family. Different family members can team up to prepare an elaborate traditional meal on this special day and make Diwali a truly memorable event.

 

Owing to the Covid-19 situation, this Diwali would be a little different than the way one has been celebrating it in the past. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and celebrate the festival in the right spirit. Even if you don’t get to meet all your friends and relatives in person, you can still make it a happy and memorable Diwali for them and you.

 

Conclusion

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the festivities for this Diwali are likely to be different from earlier years. However, that does not mean you cannot have fun or celebrate the festival in the right spirit. Even if you are unable to meet all your friends and relatives in person, you can still make it a happy and memorable Diwali for them and yourself through phone calls, virtual video meets and virtual gatherings.