Most of the pets and a large number of people will stay indoors for the next few days as Diwali celebrations will be noisy and air pollution level will be high.

But, Prof Geetha Vishwanathan, a lecturer at St Joseph's College and a researcher, can convince you on the need for these noxious, deafening explosives and fireworks. "They give out sulphur and nitrous smoke that kills viruses and reduces their growth," she explains.

She believes that most of our traditions are steeped in scientific reasons that have been lost on the way. For instance, why is Deepavali celebrated in the way it is and at this time? "Many microbial pathogens enter our system through the air, water, food or soil.   Many of these are passed on by mosquitoes.

While they breed throughout the year, the optimum season for infection is between September and November! And we have Deepavalli aiding us!" she says.

Whether it is dengue or chikungunya, the virus behind the disease does not cause any disease in the mosquitoes as they need what is called a free catalyst called cholesterol. "We have plenty of that but mosquitoes do not have them as they have no haemoglobin!"

And how does Deepavalli help us? "The gingelly oil used to light up lamps inside and around the house generates a temperature higher than that required by viruses to breed!" Used also for oil baths, it is a good anti-oxidant and reduces body toxins she says.

As to the gorging on sweets, the taste of a sweet triggers alpha waves from the brain that radiate positive energy for the individual! So go on and forget the calories.