Here's how to play it safe this Diwali

Diwali is just a day away, with decorations up in homes and on the streets. Pic/Bipin Kokate

Chinmay Kathe, 30, Vikhroli
Incident: This stock manager was 10 when playing with a Lakshmi bomb. "I had an agarbatti (incense stick) in one hand and the bomb in the other. It burst in my hand, burning a part of my hand and stomach. I felt as though I was on fire. I can't forget the pain," says Kathe.

Message: Keep the cracker on the ground and then light it. Avoid using an agarbatti, use a sparkler to light crackers. Do not touch a lit cracker.

Prachi Moon, 24, Kurla
Incident: During Diwali 2011, Moon suffered serious burns on her right hand as a flowerpot cracker exploded in her palm. She recalls, "I tried to light a flower pot, but, it did not light. I prodded it a second time but no luck. Then, I took the cracker in my hand, and it exploded on my palm. I barely remember what happened after. I was in shock."

Message: Stay away from crackers altogether. There are better ways to celebrate.

Kishor Patil, 32, Sion-Chunnabati
Incident: Twelve years ago, the IT (Information Technology) professional was lighting crackers in his society compound, when a flower pot exploded in his face. He says, "My father was with me at the time and, for a few minutes, I couldn't see anything. I was in a state of shock. My dad and I both suffered burns on our faces."

Message: Sparklers are the safest fireworks. Stay as far away as you can when the cracker burns.

Faiz Bogani, 22, Byculla
Incident: While lighting a flower pot eight years ago, this media professional suffered a burn near his left eye. Bogani says, "The firework wasn't lit properly, so I went to inspect it closely and that is when it hit me in my face. My family and friends rushed me to JJ Hospital. I remember being scared." The doctor checked Bogani's eye but the test was clear; he was called to check his burn injury recovery every 15 days.

Message: If a cracker doesn't burst, let it be. Don't keep trying to light it. And it's best not to go close to a burning firework.

Arul Lekha Trailokya, 25, Andheri
Incident: The IT professional cannot see from his right eye due to a Diwali mishap from 15 years ago. It also ended his dream of becoming a pilot. He says, "I went to look at a firework closely, as I was intrigued by the flame. It burst and the spark went right into my eye. I blanked out and haven't been able to see from one eye since."

Message: Keep crackers away from the body. Avoid wearing loose clothes. They can catch fire easily.