Countdown begins for festival of lights

[email protected] (CD Network, Photos by Ahmed Anwar)

November 1, 2013

Mangalore, Nov 1: The Diwali fervour is already in the air. The streets of Mangalore wore a festive look as people thronged in large numbers to purchase resplendent embellishments for their homes for this Diwali.

On Saturday, purchasers had ventured to market in morning to complete the last minute purchases as the festival begins on Sunday.

Small vendors to malls, the commercial establishments were all abuzz. The markets and malls of the city wore a festive look with various articles for home decoration selling like hot cakes. Some were already attending the pre-Diwali bashes, others were checking out the list of preparations to host guests at the their homes or visiting their friends and family members to share Diwali greetings!

Aastha Shetty, a homemaker in Kodical said, "I have got everything ready for Diwali and the only thing that remains is laying 'Rangoli' on Diwali day. This year, I have decorated my home with terracotta 'diyas' that I would light on Diwali night. Since my husband and I are not so inclined to burst crackers, we have just bought some for our daughter as a part of the tradition."

Sweetshops also saw record footfalls with health-conscious people opting for sugar-free variants and dry-fruits rather than the traditional 'mithais'.

The market was full of roadside stalls selling idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh and people bought the idols for special puja.

Smitha Kotian, a final year BA student, said, "After the Lakshmi Puja, I go out with a few of my friends and roam across the city every Diwali night. We don't burst crackers but I like looking at the sky in the night. Exchange of chocolates is also a tradition that we friends have been following for the last few years."

Shops were decked up to attract people still completing their shopping spree.

Kids were also excited about their crackers and clothes. Shriya M S, a student of class IX, said, "My father has decorated the house with terracotta diyas. I don't burst many crackers on Diwali night because of pollution. But I do look forward to sweets and the delicacies that my mother prepares. The evening puja and rangoli designing keep me busy throughout the day."

Comments

Add new comment

Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.

Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

Comments