Diwali set to light up the city
The festival of lights may delight, but it can also cause immense stress for animals.
Preparations are in full swing for the annual celebration of the Diwali festival in Heuweloord.
The colourful event is set to take place on 3 November.
Gruchen Moodley from the Heuweloord Residents’ Association, at a recent meeting held at the Heuweloord community centre, said Diwali was the biggest of all Hindu festivals.
He explained that the event was a festival of lights and that Hindus celebrated fasting for a month. He said all rituals of Diwali have significance and a story to tell. “The illumination of homes with lights and the skies with firecrackers is an expression of obeisance to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity.”
According to one belief, the sound of firecrackers indicates the joy of the people living on earth, making the gods aware of their plentiful state. “Still another possible reason has a more scientific basis: the fumes produced by the crackers kill a lot of insects and mosquitoes, found in plenty after the rains.”
Sharing some tips on how to handle pets during the festival, Jesica Hurrienarain pointed out to residents that dogs and cats have exceptional hearing and that their hearing is many times more sensitive than that of human beings.
“Many pets suffer from noise phobia – the fear of loud and strange noises. What we may think is loud to us, is like an explosion to them. The sights and sounds of fireworks disturb them greatly. Do not assume your pet is fine or will be fine if they were the previous year. Any changes in your pets’ age, environment and perception can change their reaction.”
She said pets can display a combination and variety of symptoms and a safe environment for them should be created. They should be kept indoors, if possible, in a dark room with ample ventilation and water. “Put music on in the room to drown out the fireworks and give them familiar toys as well as something to chew on like a rawhide bone.”
Ward Councillor Marika Kruger-Muller said there was a by-law regarding the use of fireworks and noise control. She said residents should take note that the Rooihuiskraal Feesterrein and Supersport Park were dedicated areas for the use of fireworks (with a licence/permit) and that those celebrating Diwali should be considerate of their neighbours and pets.
