Just as the air turns crispy cool, the season lights up with the arrival of festivals. But it’s been a lackluster year so far with the Covid scare casting its dark shadow over the world. The dull in festive celebrations started from Holi in March and deepened over the subsequent months, affecting several auspicious days and events across different religions, cultures and states of India. Various festivals and special occasions were celebrated in good spirits but muted tones. Public celebrations were banned and people celebrated in the confines of their homes without inviting friends and family over. The effervescence of the Indian culture, the sparkle, glitz and glamour that reflects in each of its festivals, was definitely missing.
Gradually people started getting used to this new way of life. Lockdowns were partially lifted and people started venturing out for work cautiously. However, now both patience and caution seems to have given way. The boredom resulting from the prolonged lockdown due to Covid, along with the arrival of the festive and holiday season have enticed people to cross the safety threshold. The markets are bustling with shoppers while the crowds in the eateries are back. Friends, gathering, parties, pujas have started making low-key appearances.
However, we shouldn’t forget that Covid numbers in the country and resultant fatalities are still very much a cause of concern. So here are some ideas to celebrate and enjoy festivals while ensuring that family and friends stay safe and healthy:
- Decorate the house with whatever is available at home. Re-use last year’s lights, diyas, rangoli, decorative elements etc. Think creative and get innovative to give the house a festive makeover.
- Cook at home and make it fun with everyone helping and working in the kitchen, or maybe assign a dish to each member of the family to cook. Or playing cook-time games such as everyone switching to another person’s dish halfway through the cooking process and delivering the final output.
- Pray for everyone’s well-being. Co-ordinate with neighbours to have a joint aarti or mantra chanting and blowing conch shells together, with each standing in their own balconies or doorways. The combined effect will surely be spell-binding.
- Connect with family and friends via online group video calls. Have online competitions like Best Rangoli, Best Puja decoration, best dressed couple etc.
- Enjoy family time by watching a movie together or playing games like cards, carrom, video games or having a karaoke session
- Minimise the use of firecrackers as they create lots of pollution which can aggravate breathing problems for the elderly, children, asthma and Covid patients.
- Use the online medium to make purchases and send gifts to family and friends
- Donate to the less fortunate and share with those who are financially affected by the Covid crisis. Their smiles are sure to cheer you up.
- Avoid going to crowded markets, public places of worship and even refrain from inviting anyone over or going to someone else’s place. In case it is unavoidable, ensure that everyone follows the precautions advised by the Government authorities – wearing masks, maintaining social distance, washing and sanitizing hands at regular intervals.
Overcoming the pandemic is very much our responsibility. So while we enjoy the festive season with the love and warmth of our loved ones, we have to be conscious of all the safety precautions so that the pandemic slowly but surely lessens, making life much better for all of us.
So this festive season, stay safe, stay healthy and pray for the good old days to return to our lives.
