How to Celebrate Diwali During COVID-19

It is that time of the year again when colourful lanterns light up the night sky and diyas and sweets fill up our homes. Every year, Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most awaited celebrations in India where people come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness – there is a sense of joy and bonding over crackers, delicious Diwali spread, games and so much more.

But, this year, the enthusiasm in the air feels different; with Coronavirus taking over our lives, celebrating Diwali during pandemic with same vigour looks far-fetched. Having said that, can the spirit of celebrating a prosperous Diwali ward-off evil from the air? Is it time, we win over darkness, once again?

Well, we will have to wait and see, but for now, we bring you a few ways on how to celebrate Diwali in Corona times and enjoy a safe Diwali during Covid-19. Don’t let the pandemic dampen your festive mood.

Diwali will be observed on November 14 this year. With the festival just around the corner, preparations to celebrate Diwali at home are in full swing. From deep cleaning and sanitization to repainting and decluttering the space, planning and careful execution have already begun.

How to Celebrate Safe Diwali During This Pandemic in Your Society

In these Covid-19 times, the word, ‘safe’, doesn’t only imply to crackers but also suggests protecting oneself from catching the virus. Even though many of us are sceptical about going all out and immerse in the Diwali spirit with others, there will still be some people, who wouldn’t care less to come together and burn a few green crackers. Thus, it is wise to be prepared well in advance. You don’t necessarily have to burst crackers to celebrate the festival; lay your plans and make this Diwali special like every year.

Here’s what you can consider to have a Covid safe Diwali:

• Even though stepping out to celebrate the festival with your neighbours is tempting, staying indoors makes up for a wise decision. There is a good chance of people brushing against each other or coming in close contact while engrossed in the celebration. Why take a risk, when you can be safe.
• You can have equal fun staying indoors and celebrate it with family – make rangoli together, plan out an extensive Diwali dinner menu, and include a list of interesting activities and games such as antakshri, playing cards, tambola or dumb charades, that you can play together. Memorable conversations, great food and games can never dampen your festive spirit. Try it!

• Decorate your home with fairy lights and diyas. You can also look for some DIY crafts to make origami lanterns, diyas and more.
• Involve your kids and let them offer you a hand while you dish out some delicious Diwali delicacies.

• You can even try out the Home Chef feature on NoBrokerHood if you are in a mood to eat something different but don’t want to use an online food app. Your neighbours will be happy to cook up a storm for the festive season.
• Soak in the spirit of the new normal by catching up with your long-distance friend through a video call. Send them your gratitude and let them know you are thinking about them.

Social distancing:

When it comes to celebrating Diwali during the pandemic, social distancing is the key:

• If for some reason, you decide to step out of your apartment, consider social distancing norms more seriously. Make sure others too adhere to those rules.
• Strictly follow your resident apartment’s safety rules during the celebration.
• Always wear a mask mandatorily and make sure others around you too are following suit.
• Avoid handshakes and hugs and limit yourself to ‘namaste’ or elbow bump to greet others.
• Avoid large gatherings while performing your apartment society’s puja.
• Try not to stay outdoors for too long.

The society management committee can also use NoBrokerHood’s digital notice board to update Diwali-related safety rules, celebration time and more without having to step out of your humble abode.

Following these simple rules can help you have a corona safe Diwali.

How to Celebrate Diwali At Home

If You Have Kids:

Especially, if you have a new-born, make sure to cover his/her ears with earmuffs, this will help block loud noise. Blackout curtains are best to block bright lights of crackers. You can make Diwali interesting and engaging for kids by organising fun Diwali activities such as diya decoration, ladoo making, play dough rangoli making and so on.

If you have elderly people at home:

Anyone above 60 years at home? The best way to protect them from the loud noise is to use earplugs. It is advisable to keep them indoors to reduce exposer to the toxic fumes of firecrackers. Celebrating Diwali in Covid times and following the whole new normal can be overwhelming for them, make it special, give them all the loved – spend time with them. The idea of family time can never go wrong.

If You Have Pets at Home:

Diwali is particularly a difficult time for pets and other animals. Dogs, especially, have much more sensitive hearing than us and they can hear sounds louder than humans. Naturally, the intermittent sound of bursting crackers become a cause of discomfort for your furry pal. They must be kept engaged and distracted from all the chaos. Feed them well and exercise them before they can settle down wherever they are comfortable – under the bed or in a room’s corner. If your pet behaves anxious or scared, use earmuffs, shut the windows, and draw the curtain to comfort them. Playing soothing, low-pitched music can help your pet ease out.

This year, Diwali celebrations might not take place the same way as it does every year. It might perhaps be low-key or might be a silent celebration with no crackers hurting your ears, but don’t let that ruin your celebratory mood. Take it as an opportunity to be around family and enjoy some quiet moments.

Diwali is a time when you expect guests coming over to your home. You can use our features ‘Visitors’ and ‘Notify Gate’ to issue gate passes for guests and informing security guards about expected guests. This way, your celebration won’t be interrupted with confirmation calls.

Comment below and tell us how you are planning to celebrate Diwali this year. You can also visit www.nobrokerhood.com to see how you can use various features like Group and Forum to keep yourself updated about your society’s Diwali plans.