Photos by: Sanjog Manandhar Videos by: Anup Ojha

In a bid to educate people about safety tips to prevent fire-related incidents during Tihar festival, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and the Juddha Barun Yantra launched a week-long awareness campaign in Kathmandu on Friday.

Tihar, the festival of lights, also known as Deepawali is when people illuminate their homes with electric lights, oil lamps, and candles. People also set off firecrackers during the festival despite a blanket ban on the supply and sale of firecrackers across the nation.

Inaugurating the week-long campaign, KMC Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya requested all the denizens to remain extra cautious during the festival time while illuminating their homes.

“It’s the same light in the candle that brightens our homes and toles (areas) during Tihar, but if we are not careful it will burn our houses or the whole area into ashes. That’s why I request everyone to light lamps and candles with caution,” said Shakya.

The programme was attended by Deputy Mayor Hari Prabha Khadgi, Chief Executive Officer of KMC Yadav Prasad Koirala, KMC Disaster Management Department (DMD) coordinator Nil Kaji Shakya, among other officials, and representatives from Nepal Army, Nepal Scouts, fire brigade officials of DMD, City Police of KMC.

Talking to the Post following the programme, Chief of Juddha Barun Yantra, Badriman Nagarkoti said the awareness regarding the fire-related incident is very important.

“The month of Kartik (mid-October) is vulnerable in terms of fire-related incidents because of Tihar,” said Nagarkoti, adding “We are trying to reach out every individual with the message on fire safety through campaigns and mass media.”

Last year a fire that broke out in a squatter’s settlement in Balkhu while lighting a candle during Tihar that gutted some 40 odd households to the ground, according to DMD.

In the week-long programme, the DMD will be mobilising its staff with fire-brigades at various junctions, public places like schools, colleges, government offices and busy market place in the town.

 Addressing today’s programme, KMC Deputy Mayor Hari Prabha Khadgi requested everyone to cooperate and take safety precautions as taught during the campaign.

“We still have the memory of the devastating earthquake three years ago and we should be more cautious to avert fire-related incidents,” said Khadgi.

 After the programme, KMC Mayor, Deputy Mayor, all the representatives and locals joined a rally which commenced at 9am from Juddha Salik and marched along Siddhicharanchok, Lagan , Jaisidewal, Bhemsenthan, Kastamandap, Pyaphel, Mahendra Bahal , Indra Chok and ended at Juddha Salik in Basantapur. The procession was accompanied by fire bikes, and a traditional band of Newari Dhime Baja.