Jamshedpur: With Diwali round the corner, people this year are focused on precautionary measures to celebrate the festival with a pledge to spread more light and less noise. Diwali, a festival of giving, bonding, shared joy, marking prosperity or praying for it to Goddess Lakshmi.
The district administration, corporate sectors and institutions have taken steps to ensure that the festival of lights passes off safely and peacefully in the city. Be it in terms of preparedness for emergencies in burnt incidents at health center to police patrolling to prevent trouble during Diwali revelry and rushing in to douse flames in case of fire mishaps, the district administration is on its toes for smooth celebration of the festival.
Meanwhile, despite the gloom due to fear of coronavirus, there is a visible buzz in the lit-up markets. Traders are pinning hopes on increased purchase. Many have not stocked up on Diwali goodies or have placed minimal orders but still they are hopeful that shops would do better business in the fortnight ahead in the absence of Diwali melas.
Organisations like Inner Wheel Club of Jamshedpur Zest and Punjabi Samaj have given a call for safe Diwali.
“We want people to celebrate the festival traditionally. There is also an increasing concern over environmental pollution and the safety issues involved in making and bursting fire crackers. On the day of Diwali and the following days, the particulate matter in the atmosphere is at its pinnacle that can contribute to serious health issues. So under the banner of our club we have given a call to celebrate eco-friendly Diwali,” said Vaibhavii Patadia, a senior functionary of the club.
“People of our city have been careful during Durga Puja and we have to do the same during Diwali and Chhath. We need to be careful in the coming days because of Diwali and Chhath. We should continue to avoid crowding, wear masks and follow social distancing. This will reduce the chances of spread of the virus. If we remain serious about the protocols the virus will further reduce significantly. The recovery rate of COVID-19 patients has improved. The number of positive cases is on decline. Even after Durga Puja no spike has been witnessed in the positive cases. It is a big relief for the people said Dr Rajan Choudhry, advisor, COVID-19, Tata Main Hospital.
Students of School of Hope and Parents’ Association for the Mentally Handicapped — a centre in Dhatkidih — are busy preparing beautiful designer candles and diyas for the festival of lights. Schools like Greenfield at Sonari are also educating children to shun use of crackers.