Happy Diwali 2025: Celebrate Diwali Safely, Don’t Harm Street Animals

As Diwali approaches, authorities and animal welfare groups are urging citizens to celebrate responsibly and be mindful of the city's street animals. In past years, there have been numerous reports of pets and stray dogs getting injured by fireworks. Some dogs have suffered burns, while others have been severely frightened by loud crackers, causing accidents on busy roads.

Animal rights organizations warn that while fireworks bring joy to humans, the same noise can be terrifying for animals. Street dogs, in particular, are vulnerable as they have nowhere to hide from the sudden bursts of sound and light. "We have documented several cases where dogs have been hurt by crackers or have run into traffic in panic," said Ramesh Kumar, a local animal welfare activist. "It's heartbreaking, and completely preventable."

Authorities are calling on citizens to follow safety guidelines:

• Burn crackers in open areas, away from streets and residential spaces where animals roam.
• Avoid loud, high-intensity fireworks that can cause extreme fear.
• Keep pets and street animals in mind, ensuring they are in safe spaces during celebrations.
• Clean up debris promptly to prevent accidental ingestion or injuries.

"Diwali is a festival of lights, not of harm," emphasized Dr. Anita Sharma, a veterinarian who works with stray animal rescue groups. "We can all celebrate joyfully while ensuring our furry friends stay safe."

Residents are being reminded that small acts of care-like choosing quieter fireworks or avoiding crowded streets-can prevent accidents and injuries to animals. Authorities hope that with increased awareness, this Diwali can be joyful for everyone, including the city's four-legged companions.