Amid the unending struggle to enter the ‘Old normal’ from ‘new normal’ the recent surge in Covid-19 cases has not only alarmed authorities, but also made the common man reconsider and reinvent ways of life he is leading. While government authorities are trying their best to curb Covid cases in the second wave, people in general have some unique ways to celebrate festivals and special occasions.
Come down to State Capital Ranchi. Here, people have started planning for Holi festival, keeping in mind government advisory and suggestions of health experts on Covid-19.
Anita (24), a household helper from Doranda said that Holi is her favourite festival and nothing can take away the joy of it. She was extremely excited to wear the latest trendy gown she has bought a few months back, click her photos and send them to her family back in the village.
Asha Sharma (52), a housemaker from Hatia, says, even though the celebration will not be a big one this year, she is still very excited because festivals are all about family.
She happily plans on staying at home and preparing favorites like ‘Gujia’ and ‘MaalPua’ for her children. She also conveyed this wonderful idea of Tilak Holi, suggesting that people can put
tilaks of colours while wearing masks.
Tanya Shahdeo (22), a student from Indrapuri, believes that people should not let negativity around the pandemic control the festivity at all.
The idea is to have fun and celebrate doing whatever you love, and for her there is nothing better than Home-made-food aka ‘Maa kehaathon ka khaana’, which she misses every year celebrating Holi in her hostel.
Dhiraj (32), a general store owner near Birsa Chowk, showed his new Holi special collections of Colours, ‘Pichkari’, Funny Masks for children and was hopeful that with masks and other measures, the city will have a small but memorable celebration this year!
When asked about creative alternatives for playing Holi this year, Ravi Verma (44), a Ratu Road-based businessman suggested playing Virtual Holi on video calls this year. “By doing this we will all feel connected, see each other smiling and laughing, despite living far-off from each other. Afterall it is the smiles and happiness of our loved ones that we celebrate in the festivals,” he said cheerfully.