Diwali celebrations go virtual during lockdown
The Hindu festival of light starts from today
The festival of Diwali is being marked virtually across the UK as coronavirus restrictions keep many from celebrating in person with their loved ones.
As one of the most popular festivals in the Hindu calendar, it's celebrated to symbolise the victory of light over darkness, and good over evil.
But, with a nationwide lockdown being put in place in England to halt the spread of Covid-19, many Diwali celebrations are being streamed online.
The Consul General of India, Birmingham, said:
“Diwali is perfect example of community cohesion and these joint celebrations are perfect representation of how darkness continues to be defeated and UK’s multiculturalism is celebrated.
"At a time of great national difficulty, the need for festivals that brings light into our world has never been more important.
“I hope that, even though celebrated virtually this year, its message of light, hope & joy will resonate the same feeling.
"Through these celebrations we rejoice the timeless message of Diwali: ‘’that light will ultimately triumph over darkness, Shubh Diwali!’ Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous Diwali.”
The Diwali festival
Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated by faiths throughout the Indian community to mark different historical events and stories, with all of them symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Every year, the Festival of Light is celebrated by millions of people around the world.
It is celebrated by lighting lamps and candles in doors and windows of the home, around temples and other buildings, along with fireworks.
Firefighters are advising people to make sure their fireworks have the CE mark.
Police are urging people to take extra caution and stick to the COVID-19 measures if they're having Diwali celebrations at home in the next few days.
Superintendent Rik Klair, Head of Public Contact at West Mercia Police said:
“This year, although we don’t want to stop anyone from enjoying themselves, we are urging people to celebrate Diwali in a safe way and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
"There will be officers on patrol during this period, so we will be able to respond quickly to any incidents, as well as providing a highly visible and reassuring presence.
“We will be engaging, explaining and encouraging people to act responsibly, reminding them to follow COVID-19 laws, including wearing face coverings where required and following the rule of six.
“We also want to remind you of some simple firework safety tips to help avoid injury or any damage to your property.
"We want everyone to enjoy their Diwali celebrations safely and without causing inconvenience to others, so please remember these top tips for an enjoyable and accident-free evening.”
Here are some tips from them, if you're celebrating Diwali this year:
- plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable
- only buy fireworks marked with British Standard Kitemark BS 7114, and from a reputable supplier
- don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks – they don’t mix
- keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time
- always follow the instructions on the box carefully - read them in daylight or by torchlight, never by a naked flame
- light the firework at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back
- keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
- never go back to fireworks once they are lit – they might still go off or even explode
- never throw fireworks and don’t put them in your pocket
- always supervise children around fireworks and never give sparklers to children under the age of five
- put fireworks in a bucket of water after use – they’ll still be hot
- respect your neighbours – don’t let off fireworks late at night
- keep your pets indoors all evening, with the curtains closed.