As the festival of lights approaches, the excitement in the air is palpable. Homes are lit up, sweets are prepared, and families come together to celebrate. But while we rejoice, there’s an unspoken dread among the stray dogs that share our streets—the ones who have no shelter, no protection, and no escape from the loud and relentless noise of Diwali crackers.
For many of us, Diwali is a time to celebrate with joy, but for our indie dogs, it’s often a time of terror. The deafening sounds of fireworks aren’t just a source of discomfort; they’re a cause of panic, disorientation, and fear.
The Unseen Impact of Firecrackers
The burst of firecrackers may last for just a few seconds, but the impact on the animals lasts much longer. Street dogs don’t understand the sudden explosions or blinding lights. All they feel is fear. They run aimlessly, hide under vehicles, tremble in dark corners, and some, sadly, don’t survive the confusion and accidents that follow.
Apart from fear, firecrackers release harmful pollutants into the air. The smoke from fireworks can damage the already vulnerable lungs of stray dogs, making it hard for them to breathe. The pollution doesn’t just harm humans; it’s equally dangerous for animals, especially those with no homes or shelters to escape to.
Taking Responsibility: A Call for a Different Kind of Celebration
This Diwali, we have the choice to create a festival that is kinder to the creatures that share our streets. Firecrackers aren’t essential to celebrating Diwali. The beauty of the festival lies in its lights, its traditions, and the joy of being together—not in the destruction that follows a night of bursting crackers.
Pollution-Free Diwali: By choosing to not burst crackers, we can reduce pollution and make the streets safer for the dogs, birds, and even the environment. The air after Diwali is filled with toxic chemicals, and by keeping our celebrations quiet and clean, we can ensure the safety of those who have no voice to speak up.
Adopt or Provide Shelter: During Diwali, many animal shelters struggle to cope with the number of terrified dogs seeking refuge. If possible, open your doors to an indie dog in your area, even if it’s just for a few days. A garage, a balcony, or a corner of your home can give them the safety they desperately need during this difficult time.
Report Cruelty: While most people celebrate responsibly, there are still instances of crackers being tied to dogs’ tails or worse. If you witness any cruelty toward animals, report it immediately. Don’t turn a blind eye—your intervention can save a life.
Keeping Shelters and Help Lines Ready
Animal shelters are often overwhelmed during Diwali, as frightened dogs run into traffic, get injured, or fall seriously ill due to the stress and pollution. Keep contact numbers for local shelters or animal welfare groups handy. You never know when you might need to make that life-saving call.
Having shelters like PETA, CUPA, or local animal rescue groups on speed dial could mean the difference between life and death for a dog on the streets. Many shelters even have volunteers who patrol the streets during festivals to help distressed animals. Join them or contribute in any way you can.
A Diwali of Compassion
It’s easy to get caught up in the festivities, but Diwali is also a time for reflection and compassion. The way we choose to celebrate affects not just us but all the living beings around us. Instead of crackers that bring harm, let’s celebrate with lights that shine brighter because they cause no pain. Our streets are filled with indies who depend on our kindness and understanding. This Diwali, let’s pledge to keep their fear at bay by choosing compassion over noise, understanding over tradition, and love over destruction.
Let this Diwali be a celebration of life—one where every creature, big or small, can feel safe, cherished, and respected. After all, isn’t that what the festival of lights is truly about?