🌼 Diwali and Our Companions: Celebrating with Care and Compassion 🌼

By Raksha Animal Welfare Centre, Mumbai

As Diwali lights up Mumbai with joy and colour, our streets, too, come alive — not just with people, but with the countless animals who call this city home. While we celebrate togetherness, abundance, and light, it’s important to remember that for the city’s stray dogs, cats, and birds, this season can be one of anxiety, confusion, and distress.

The sounds of bursting crackers that thrill us often terrify them. Fireworks cause disorientation, temporary or permanent hearing damage, and even heart issues in animals. The smoke and debris that fill the air lead to breathing difficulties — not only for them but for all of us. Add to that the litter of burnt crackers, plastic wrappers, and food waste, and our streets become unsafe for animals who scavenge for survival.

This year, let’s celebrate Diwali differently — with kindness, awareness, and empathy. Here’s how we can make a real difference:

🐾 Say a firm no to crackers and pollution.Noiseless celebrations don’t just reduce animal distress; they also protect our environment and our own health. The true spirit of Diwali lies in illumination, not explosion.

🐾 Create safe spaces.If you have community animals in your neighbourhood, open your building gates or parking areas to them during the loudest hours. Place an old mat or blanket in a quiet corner — it can mean the world to a frightened dog or cat seeking refuge.

🐾 Offer food and water.Many strays go hungry during Diwali because regular feeders stay indoors or roads are blocked. A bowl of water and a simple meal can be a small act of kindness with a huge impact.

🐾 Avoid throwing leftovers and sweets on roads.Sweets, oily food, and discarded decorations can make animals sick. Dispose of waste responsibly and ensure no sharp or harmful materials are left behind.

🐾 Be alert and compassionate.If you see an injured or terrified animal, gently move them to safety or contact your local animal rescue group. Your quick response can save a life.

🐾 Teach empathy.Children learn compassion by example. Talk to them about how noise, smoke, and fear affect animals, and show them what gentle care looks like.

At Raksha Animal Welfare Centre, we believe that the festival of lights should shine for every being — humans, animals, and nature alike. When we choose compassion over carelessness, awareness over apathy, and empathy over entertainment, we create a Diwali that truly embodies light, not noise.

So this year, light your diyas, share your sweets, and spread joy — but do it mindfully. Let’s make Mumbai a city that celebrates with its animals, not at their expense.

✨ Happy Diwali from all of us at Raksha Foundation! ✨