Diwali is a "festival of lights" that marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and the blessings of conquest, emancipation, and enlightenment.

The Covid-19 outbreak may have tainted the festival of lights last year, but large-scale celebrations are likely to resurface, although warily, this year on Diwali. In places where it is a big holiday, such as India, daily infections are at seven-month lows, and rising vaccination rates are fuelling hope for the five-day festival.

While Diwali celebration, people coming together as a unified culture, the onset of a third wave of the pandemic remains a major concern. Therefore, it is important to exhibit adequate precautions and care to celebrate the festival of lights without risking one's health or safety. It is also essential to take basic preventative steps to avoid any mishaps or negative health impacts during Diwali.

Regardless of how much joy and cheering there is, it is critical to keep some form of physical distance. distancing helps reduce the transmission of COVID-19 — this means keeping a space of at least 1 meter between people and avoiding crowded places.

It is essential to avoid the use of sanitisers, especially those containing alcohol while lighting candles or diyas. Sanitisers are very flammable and may catch fire quickly, posing major fire dangers. Before lighting candles or diyas, always wash your hands thoroughly.

3. Use Masks

Masks are required during Diwali as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The smoke created by cracker burning can cause serious complications for people who have respiratory disorders and can also increase the likelihood of acquiring respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, or a burning feeling in the eyes.

4. Avoid celebration with Firecracker

Burning fireworks in the name of joy might worsen the health of Covid-infected people. Pollution wreaks havoc on the respiratory system, and the novel coronavirus is no exception. People with lung infections are believed to have pre-morbid conditions for Covid-19 and are at risk of infection. As a result, the explosion of firecrackers, which produces smoke, might be disastrous in this Covid circumstance.

5. Eat nutritious and healthy food

Diwali is a time to enjoy delicacies such as sweets, munchies, and other enticing goodies to get into the festive spirit. As a result, it's better to eat small meals throughout the day to avoid placing undue strain on the stomach. Consume nutritious, substantial meals such as fruits and nuts. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and energized. 

Having said that, enjoy this festival with your family members and experience a unique way to celebrate. We wish this Diwali fills your world and heart with beauty and brings you endless joy. May the brightness of shimmering lanterns and Diyas stay perennially in your life and give you brightness in the darkest time. In the end, we are reiterating to follow safety precautions amid COVID festivities because in the end - “Health is Wealth”.

About RICS SBE:

RICS School of Built Environment (RICS SBE), Amity University is an industry-led academic institution that delivers specialized undergraduate and postgraduate programs to students ambitious to work in the real estate, construction and infrastructure sector. It also aids as a hub for research and development of technical proficiency in a built environment.