Dozens of children living in the Dambarplant slum in Vasai East have been undertaking bicycle rallies in their areas to spread awareness among citizens in an attempt to dissuade them from bursting firecrackers during Diwali.

The underprivileged children, who have been sensitised by a newly formed non-profit organisation, Sharan Foundation, have created handmade placards, affixed them to their bicycles and are peddling through market areas to convince citizens – especially children - to celebrate Diwali without the noisy, polluting firecrackers.