Firecrackers are used in many cultures during celebrations such as Diwali in India, Tihar in Nepal, the Day of Ashura in Morocco and of course the Chinese New Year.

In Sri Lanka, in spite of media attention to safety when lighting crackers, people ignore the simple rules of lighting crackers safely and the custom has all too often resulted in horrific accidents that have left lasting scars, often leaving the victim maimed or blinded for life.

Parents should never allow young children to light firecrackers. Young people should enjoy firecrackers from a safe distance. Only adults should deal with lighting firecrackers. Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks. Never return to a firework once it has been lit. Never hold a baby in your arms while lighting a firecracker. Unbelievably many parents are guilty of doing this, endangering their young children.