Sharad Malhotra advocates for a pet-friendly Diwali, urging people to celebrate with compassion and avoid firecrackers.
For him, true joy lies in spreading light without causing fear, especially for our furry family members.
I’m always excited about Diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights and joy, is also a reminder to celebrate with empathy, especially towards our furry friends who may be overwhelmed by the noise and chaos.
Actor Sharad Malhotra, currently seen in the web series Yeh Hai Sanak, shares how he and his wife, Ripci Bhatia, celebrate Diwali in a way that keeps their beloved dog Leo happy and safe.
“I’m always excited about Diwali, but that doesn’t mean I will make Leo feel left out,” Sharad says, adding, “We light diyas and lamps and prepare delicacies, not just for ourselves, but for Leo too. He is treated with extra care on this day, especially knowing how disturbing the noise of firecrackers can be for him.”
We keep doors and windows closed to reduce the sound
For Sharad and Ripci, Diwali is about being responsible and compassionate. He shares, “As responsible citizens and proud pet parents, we don’t burn crackers at all. The air quality is already bad and worsens during Diwali, and the noise is harmful, not just for us but especially for pets who become restless and scared. We keep doors and windows closed to reduce the sound. Their comfort comes before our celebration.”
Sharad also expressed concern over people continuing to burst crackers despite knowing their harmful effects. He says, “There’s so much awareness about the damage they cause, yet people ignore it. When you know something is dangerous and still choose to do it, that’s just foolish.”
He adds, “You can’t burn crackers one day and then complain about the air quality the next. I often hear people say, ‘I’m not the only one doing it,’ but every bit counts. If one person stops, it can inspire others. Why wait for someone else to change? Be the start.”
For Sharad, the true essence of Diwali lies in spreading light and kindness, not chaos and harm. “Let’s make it a festival of compassion. Our furry friends deserve to feel safe and loved too,” he concludes.
