SPREADING DELIGHT

2019-10-22 -

Diwali has always been special to me, and I make it a point to be with my family and my pet dogs — Hatchi and Scotch — during the festival. There is a lot of noise pollution due to crackers, and animals get really scared because of it. I don’t even take Scotch and Hatchi down for walks in the evenings because they are terrified of the noise. I reassure them that I am always by their side to comfort them when things get scary. And not just pets, I urge people to take care of the strays in their vicinity, too.

Text: Kavita Awaasthi

I have two Pugs and a Labrador. And I think, 2007 was the last time I burst crackers. As I grew up, I realised just how bad it is for the environment, as well as the torment it causes all animals. Diwali is a beautiful festival and I think we tend to forget that it’s called the festival of lights, not firecrackers. It is indeed my favourite festival and I love spending it with family and friends, eating amazing food and lighting diyas all over the house.

Diwali is about spreading joy and light in each other’s life, and pets and other animals often get neglected. The degree of harm we unknowingly cause animals and birds during the festival is enormous. And as responsible and sensitive citizens, I think it’s time to put an end to this. Let’s have a safe, pollution and noise-free Diwali, which is more inclusive of all animals — pets or strays — rather than exclusive.

I have had six cats in my life so far and they are so precious. This Diwali, please ensure to keep your flames and noise away from the cats and dogs that light up our streets. Just because strays don’t belong to anybody does not mean that we have the right to harm them during our festive celebrations. Diwali is all about spreading love and joy, then why are we being selfish and not considering their comfort? I sincerely urge everyone to have a safe and a noise-free Diwali this year!

A lot of humans don’t care about animals and don’t want anything coming in the way of their celebration. Even if it scares stray animals or hurts them, people don’t mind it as long as they are having fun. As individuals, we should work towards an animal cruelty-free Diwali. Keep your pets indoors and keep the windows closed, so that they aren’t traumatised by the noise. Let stray animals into your buildings, so that they aren’t hurt by the crackers. And the best thing would be to not burst any crackers at all.

I wish we didn’t burst crackers at all, as it scares animals the most. Crackers are harmful, not just to animals but also to humans as it pollutes our environment. The loud sound of crackers scare animals and disturb old people, too. I don’t think crackers are needed to celebrate the festival. This Diwali, let’s help the animals and birds around us, and spread love.

I have a three-year-old Shih Tzu, named Kobe. During Diwali, I am always close to him and busy comforting him. I would suggest everyone to stay with their pets and keep them indoors. Keep them calm and do not leave them alone. You can use calming music for pets if you sense that they are getting anxious. Please do not burst crackers; it is not good for them, as well as the environment.

Anjali Shetty

TV actor Pankhuri Awasthy’s husband actor Gautam Rode is a known fitness junkie, but little do fans know about Pankhuri’s fitness regime. Here’s how she keeps herself fit despite exhausting shooting routines:

Which is the one breakfast food that you must have? How important is it for your day?

I have stuffed paranthas in the morning. I enjoy a filling breakfast.

One food item that you just can’t resist.

I love samosas.

How do you get back in shape after a fattening indulgence?

I take a walk.

Do you prefer mini meals? What do they normally contain?

Not usually. But if I am extremely hungry, then I like to eat chips.

A diet plan that always works for you.

I don’t follow any diet.

Do you work out at home? What are the exercises you follow?

Yes, sometimes I do practise yoga and do my squats, lunges and crunches, as well.