The three riskiest Diwali activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic

The onset of the winter season marks the beginning of festivities. And the most awaited festival of the year, Diwali is almost here. But due to the COVID 19 pandemic, we won't be able to celebrate the festival with the same zeal and enthusiasm like before.

While the number of official cases being reported may have dropped, with no vaccine for the virus yet, we have to be as cautious as before to keep ourselves and our family safe. But all this doesn't mean that you cannot celebrate. You just have to be more careful to lower the risk for you and your family. Here are the three highest risk Diwali activities that you must avoid:

The risk of coronavirus spreading is more in enclosed spaces. While you might really want to attend or organise card party or dinner with your friends whom you haven't met for long, it's best to not participate in big gatherings, especially in an enclosed space.

We all want to buy new clothes, decorate our house and visit our favourite markets for Diwali shopping. But it's best to stick to online shopping and order in advance so that your stuff gets delivered before the festival. Markets right now are very crowded and going to the market will only increase your risk of getting an infection.

No one likes to get stuck in the traffic jam. But do not commit the mistake of opting for a public transport, especially pre and post festival as public conveyance are overcrowded at this time, which increases your risk of getting infected.

Have a small outdoor family dinner

You can plan a small dinner with your friends and relatives in an open space. You can have a lunch party in an open garden. But wearing a mask, using sanitizer and social distancing should be followed even during small open gatherings. We all know that the virus spreads mainly via respiratory droplets, which contains viral particles. People release these respiratory particles when they cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can get in your eyes, nose or mouth. The virus spreads even more when people are closer for a longer time.

Watching your family's all-time favourite movie or sports at home is one of the best ways to enjoy and celebrate and festival. Just grab some snacks, dim the light and you are all set.

If you cannot meet in person, why not video call them. Organise a zoom call, set the dinner table and enjoy a virtual dinner with your favourite people.

There might be some people in the family who are at higher risk and might not be able to come and greet you. The best you can do for them is to prepare some dinner at home and deliver it to their place.

Though it might be devastating for some people to have to skip the traditions, the situation demands it. Diwali may be different this year, there are still safe ways to connect with your friends and family and eat some yummy food.