Let your Diwali lights shine brightly for the animals

It’s almost time for the much awaited festival of lights, Diwali. Families from near and far are getting together, buying gifts, dressing up and chilling together. Bursting crackers is what most people enjoy about Diwali.
However, last year the festival of lights was more a festival of darkness for the Bhatkande family from Siolim, who lost their 2-year-old pet dog Tyson. He took fright because of the firecrackers burst around the house and was found around 3 days later by a group of animal rescuers.

“We found a puppy around 3 kilometres away from his home, all lost, confused, and starving. But luckily she was rescued,” says Atul Sarin of Welfare for Animals in Goa (WAG), Siolim. He along with his team has found many runaway pets, especially during festivals. “It was a tough time for us,” says Gitika Bhatkande, who holds her pet Tyson in his arms.
She adds, “After he was lost and was rescued, we decided to limit the use of firecrackers at our home for any festivals.”

CHANGE IS EVIDENT          

This is a scenario they witness at every festival. However, over the last few years things are changing drastically. People have opened up to different ways they can reduce the use of fireworks and donate money to rescue homes instead.

“People are now more conscious about their surroundings. Instead of buying firecrackers, they donate the money to NGOs like us to feed the strays, or assist in financial help for the NGOs to carry out the work we do,” says Atul, who has around 120 rescued animals, including cows, cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, ducks and even goats.

The idea is appreciated by many like-minded people who believe that there is much more to Diwali and other festivals than bursting crackers, creating noise and air pollution.
“Instead of buying these fireworks, which are often made in illegal factories, or in China, it would be a great idea to donate towards our rescued animals.”

DIWALI TREATS

What do they do with the funds? Well, they give special treats to their dogs, cats and cows. WAG also has a special Lakshmi Puja to honour Goddess Lakshmi and usher in wealth and prosperity.
This prosperity is to be used to help others. It can be people or animals in need. Atul expressed that in many homes across India pets often sit in at the puja and seem to understand the concept.

He adds, “At WAG, we hold the Lakshmi Puja at our cow shelter, and then feed 200 vegan ladoos, using ingredients like besan and jaggery, to all the animals. They love this treat.”

Besides, they also make special vegan cakes for the cows using atta, coconut oil, jaggery and bananas. The dogs on the other hand get treated to some kichadi made from rice and dal, and the rabbits love to feed on carrots and apples. “During Gau Puja, we have people from various North Indian communities who like to donate and feed the cows. Over all, we are looking for ways to get people involved in the process of avoiding the use of crackers and bring awareness. We also encourage people to feed these animals in the shelter. This in the long run helps them bond with animals,” says Atul.

So this Diwali, boycott crackers in Goa and spend your money alleviating the suffering of animals.