Hindus urged to play safe celebrating Divali

BIRMINGHAM, England: West Midlands Police is encouraging Hindus celebrating Divali tomorrow (the British Divali day), to use fireworks and candles safely. While urging revellers to enjoy the celebrations, officers also warned of the potential dangers of the high powered fireworks often used during the festival. Sergeant Andy Gregory, from the Force Community Safety Bureau, said: “If children mess with fireworks there is a potential danger to both themselves and members of the public as well as the annoyance for residents. “We want people to enjoy themselves and use fireworks safely but not at the expense and inconvenience of others. “All too often noisy fireworks used at anti-social hours cause disturbance in communities.” West Midlands Police is also encouraging people out celebrating to tighten their home security.

With the nights getting darker, there is an increased risk of household burglaries. Sgt Gregory said: “The darker nights have arrived and we are encouraging residents to look out for not only their own homes but also for neighbouring houses. “If simple crime reduction advice is heeded, coupled with a healthy interest in what is going on in your street, any individual minded to commit burglary is more likely to be put off. “Homeowners should consider investing in time switches. Windows should always be closed and locked and house alarms set.” Meanwhile, Divali in Leicester, about 100 km from London, has always been a gala affair. After all, it is the biggest market operated by Indians outside the Asian continent. This year, the festivities are expected to be all the more lavish, what with Pakistanis likely to join them in a big way, now that there is less tension between the parent countries.

In fact, the town already wears a festive look, with Divali festoons having been put up everywhere. The most remarkable is the Belgrave Road which is owned and operated almost exclusively by Indians and you get everything from pan to chaat. Welcome arches are there everywhere, with slogans like Divali Mubaraq. On the D-day (Divali if you please) the busy market road will be closed to traffic and there is going to be a wonderful display of fireworks. The buzz in the community is to go one up on the British festival of fireworks celebrated on November 5. The neat part is that once Divali is over, the buntings will remain and only the signs will be changed to Merry Christmas. Less expenses, greater effect.

Almost the same pattern is expected to be followed in London. Things may not go as wild as they did some years ago when Asians settled in Southall and nearby places sent up so many fireworks that Heathrow airport had to be closed temporarily, but it is going to be close. What is remarkable is that most other communities have also started joining in the festivities. There are very few non-Indians who do not know what Divali is. It is partly due to the fascination for fireworks that almost everyone has and partly because Indians are now a very visible community. Similarly, Indian dishes too are also getting universalised. Some years ago it was curry which became part of the main English cuisine. Now it is the turn of the samosa which is becoming ubiquitous. It is smaller in size and also less greasy but you get to buy it at many pucca British places as well.