Deepavali - Celebrate with safety

Since Diwali is the festival of light, and the light is generated in the beautiful night sky because of the multitude of crackers - it pays to be safe and enjoy the spectacular sight.

Here are a few safety tips to follow that would ensure a happy and safe diwali:

• Buy crackers only from authorized manufacturers/ dealers
• Follow guideline for bursting crackers as mentioned in the box
• Keep time in check issued by local authorities for bursting crackers
• Burst crackers in open space and always have children supervised by adults.
• Wear cotton dresses as it is safer in case of accidents
• Keep first aid box handy
• Keep fire extinguisher/ a bucket of sand/ water nearby
• Do not use matchsticks to burst crackers, use sparklers/ agarbatti
• Small children must be kept away from the bursting area
• Never keep a lit matchstick/ agarbatti/ sparkler near a box of crackers
• Do not attempt bursting crackers in your hand, keep it on the ground!
• Do not burst crackers indoor
• Keep crackers in a cool place away from small children
• If some crackers take time to burst, wait for sometime before you check it/ best pour water on it
• Malfunctioning firecrackers should be abandoned
• Use ear plugs for small children
• Wear rubberised footwear while bursting crackers
• Distribute crackers to the needy and see happiness bursting in your heart :)

Gift ideas for Diwali

Are you done with your Diwali shopping? Not yet? Then you are in luck, for here are some last minute gift ideas. Instead of the usual boxes of sweets and dry fruits, go for something unusual.

1. Look for Godrej Nature's basket that includes gourmet cheese, chocolates, pastries, crackers, wines and much more. Cost ranges from Rs.999-19,999

2. Paramount Farm's pistachio gift box with 2 flavors is available in most of the leading grocery stores

3. Le Marche has yummy walnut filled cake and chocolate roll available in their stores: Mumbai, Delhi & Gurgaon

4. Bagel & Brownies, New Delhi, lets you personalize their cakes with a diwali wish that's edible!!, company logos, etc.

5. Silver coins are also a great gift option and they are considered auspicious.

6. How about gift vouchers for women? Now, that one is hard to beat in terms of gifts, ain't it? :)

7. For men, how about some cool electronics gadgets - look for discounts since its festive season. Also kurtas, tie, etc. too work well.

8. For kids, a gift box of crackers is sure to make you their friends forever. Also chocolate goodies are acceptable too ;)

9. For friends and neighbours, make a hamper yourself with assorted items like candles, chocolates, sweets, etc.

10. For your office colleagues, a photo frame, pen holders, etc. would be drastically different than dry fruit box.

11. And last but not the least, YOU - the joy of spreading such happiness in itself is the greatest gift and believe me, u will know it

Shopping smart this Diwali

With Diwali right around the corner, every Indian everywhere in the world is looking forward to festivities galore, crackers, new attire, sweets & savouries, gifts to be given & more. But, proper planning can save you money on this expenditure trip.

1. Plan a budget in Excel, that way it is easier to track the expenditure. Also factor in 10-15% increase each year with rising costs.

2. Keep aside some savings monthly towards the festive spending budget.

3. Invest your bonuses and cash gifts. As you sow, so shall you reap 

4. Try re-gifting, but make a note of what gift you received and from whom to avoid embarrassment while re-gifting ;)

5. Think of making a wishlist for your family and friends months ahead and surprise them on the Diwali day.

6. If you are planning a Diwali purchase, track the price over a period of time and buy it during sales/ discounts

7. Think of purchasing gold, as the prices seem to be sitting on a rocket traveling higher