Diwali and Navratri revellers in Leicester urged to enjoy celebrations in safety
Worshippers are being asked to follow simple safety tips to ensure a happy Diwali and Navratri.
Police, firefighters and the city council are teaming up to offer safety advice throughout the celebrations, with 10,000 greetings cards with safety messages being posted through letterboxes in the Belgrave, Latimer and Rushey Mead areas of the city.
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Firefighters are urging Hindus and other devotees to take care when using candles and flames.
People attending celebrations and visiting friends are being asked to lock their homes and cover up expensive jewellery when out and about.
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Chief Superintendent Rob Nixon said: "Each year, thousands of people take part in Diwali celebrations in Leicester.
"Our role is to ensure that they can enjoy this special time without fear of crime.
"Many people will be busy visiting friends and family in the coming weeks. We are urging them to take a few simple crime prevention measures – such as securing their windows and doors every time they leave their home, and being discreet with valuables, in particular expensive jewellery – when they are out and about.
"I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy Navratri and Diwali."
Chief Superintendent Rob Nixon launched the campaign with colleagues from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service yesterday.
Speaking at Belgrave Community Centre, in Rothley Street, police and fire officers advised people not to overfill oil lamps and to be vigilant when out during celebrations.
More than 35,000 people are expected to pack into the Golden Mile for the Diwali fireworks on Sunday, November 4.
Even more will take to the streets on Diwali day, on Tuesday, November 13, for one of the biggest celebrations of its kind outside India.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Lunn said: "Leicestershire has a very diverse population.
" The Navratri and Diwali celebrations are a cornerstone of our Hindu community, so we want to make sure everyone remains safe to enjoy every aspect this period has to offer.
"While the number of fires caused by Diva candles have remained low in recent years, it is through education and awareness campaigns, such as this, that we will ensure this remains the case."
Leicester City Council asked people not to bring fireworks to public celebrations. Diwali is also celebrated by Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs.
Navatri is a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Hindu deity Shakti, which starts today.
Comments
by karinfall1955
Sunday, October 21 2012, 7:46PM
“@avi123. You probably think your comment clever but I am presuming you have never owned dogs. 'Reasonable times' are when I am not in bed ie before 11pm. I am able to sit with the tv and radio on loud to mask the bangs and my physical presence is reassuring to them. Things are not as bad as they were a few years ago when there were still loud bangs in the early hours which is inconsiderate on every level. Do you think it fair the elderly or small children have their sleep disturbed also?”
by avi123
Sunday, October 21 2012, 5:51PM
“@karinfall1955 So during 'certain' times of the day your dogs will be okay with fireworks and not at other times?
Next question. Did you train your dogs to tell the time, or did you take them to classes?”
by karinfall1955
Thursday, October 18 2012, 9:35AM
“@Mr. Bud. I don't need earplugs, I do not have a nervous disposition, unfortunately many peoples' dogs do. Earplugs a little difficult there. Fireworks are just a bit of fun when used during reasonable times. Outside of those times they are a totally anti-social nuisance. Why the loud volume, surely they are beautiful enough without those repetitive bangs?”
by robbc7
Thursday, October 18 2012, 2:04AM
“From what I hear there is to be a new fun-fair type stall on Melton Road this year at N&A Fruit and Veg.
It's called, WHACK THE RAT!!!
Free to play and a used sweet potato for each whacked rat.
x”
by MrBud
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 9:35PM
“Karinfall fireworks will start from Halloween till the new year, so just buy yourself some ear plugs!!!!!!
Fireworks is just abit of fun adults and children.”
by karinfall1955
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 8:00PM
“When does Diwali fall this year? I hate it because of the firework noise. I always know when Guy Fawkes falls because it is the same time each year.”
by MrBud
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 6:02PM
“Rajjen, I think most people would agree that LCC is doing enuf by shutting the roads/decorations etc etc,but do u think about them things????
There are some unhappy people in leicester!!!!!”
by Rajjan
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 3:19PM
“By Mr Bud "the council can't go all over leicester can they?????". I thought it is Leicester city council responsibility to look after whole Leicester.”
by MrBud
Wednesday, October 17 2012, 2:49PM
“Belgave/Melton rd is the main area in leicester where Diwali is celebrated so to tell every 1 there makes sense and people shop during that time, the council can't go all over leicester can they?????
Rajjan stop complaining and enjoy Diwali!!!!!”
by Rajjan
Tuesday, October 16 2012, 11:12PM
“On Diwali day, fire risk is all over Leicester, where ever people celebrating Diwali, why firefighters are only concern Belgrave area? On 4th and 13th of Nov Belgrave area will be safer or less risky then rest of Leicester, People who coming from other parts of Leicester to celebration in Belgrave they will leave their home at risk, then why Police is only concern Belgrave area. Diwali is not only for Belgrave people, about time Leicester City councill need to know that ( SPS) I think Leicester City councill have wasted money on distributed greeting card just in one side of Leicester. Diwali is same for all Hindhus, Sikhs and jains, not only special for Belgravea people I don't know who come up with this rubbish idea to distributed greeting cards in just three wards. It should be given advise and warning to whole Leicester.”