This past Diwali celebrations have been a little different. Health concerns took the upper hand in many big Indian cities and families had to adapt.
Not Diwali as We Know It
Holidays this year were likely to be different, and we knew it. Like many other social and economic spheres, Covid-19 dominated the public discourse, and even when the authorities did not ask people to avoid gatherings and large celebrations, it was almost a given for many important events throughout the year.
During a holy time of the year when more than a billion people celebrate, many chose to responsibly stay at home and not make the traditional visits to extended family and friends' houses. Gifts were exchanged with the closest relatives, events and parades were skipped - or altogether cancelled by city authorities.
As families gathered for the festival of lights, invitations to stay at home were widespread in media, government messages and public displays. In the nation's capital of Delhi the Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, had his cabinet and family members around at the Pooja in Akshardham Temple. The ceremony, however, was more important for the fact that it was broadcast on National TV and streamed over social media.
Many desi families get used to this new digital reality of staying in touch with loved ones or working from home. In line with the times - and much like during the spring Covid lockdown - traditions tend to be adapted and online activities often dominate people's pastimes. Conventional family games became digital as well, with Indian casinos online receiving much more attention from all age groups.
Trouble in the Air
The fall surge in coronavirus cases is not the only concern of public authorities in the big urban agglomerations. Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata have all registered an average increase of up to 20 per cent in unrelated respiratory health issues, mostly attributable to the smog and the poor air quality in their metropolitan areas.
Rising air pollution was also the reason why the authorities in NCT appealed to Delhi's residents not to indulge in the traditional feast of fireworks, as the resulting toxic gas can only make matters worse - its harmful effects on allergies, asthma and overall respiratory problems may aggravate the situation at the major healthcare centers.
In the context of a resurging virus, especially in Delhi where there have been more than half a million cases and over 8 thousand deaths, lighting up the oil lamps and sharing the warmth of the candlelight is a sight for sore eyes. But making celebrations low-key, avoiding crowds and firecrackers has become even more necessary as a show of responsible behavior towards one's neighbourhood and wider desi community.
Luckily for now, while the country is second behind only the US with over 9 million confirmed cases and 132 thousand deaths, daily infections have mostly been under control and on the decline since the middle of September.
Around the country, festival season continues with Chhath Puja but many citizens have already taken precautions and the authorities' calls for celebrations to focus on domestic traditions are producing notable effects.
Press release by: Indian Clicks, LLC
Not Diwali as We Know It
Holidays this year were likely to be different, and we knew it. Like many other social and economic spheres, Covid-19 dominated the public discourse, and even when the authorities did not ask people to avoid gatherings and large celebrations, it was almost a given for many important events throughout the year.
During a holy time of the year when more than a billion people celebrate, many chose to responsibly stay at home and not make the traditional visits to extended family and friends' houses. Gifts were exchanged with the closest relatives, events and parades were skipped - or altogether cancelled by city authorities.
As families gathered for the festival of lights, invitations to stay at home were widespread in media, government messages and public displays. In the nation's capital of Delhi the Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, had his cabinet and family members around at the Pooja in Akshardham Temple. The ceremony, however, was more important for the fact that it was broadcast on National TV and streamed over social media.
Many desi families get used to this new digital reality of staying in touch with loved ones or working from home. In line with the times - and much like during the spring Covid lockdown - traditions tend to be adapted and online activities often dominate people's pastimes. Conventional family games became digital as well, with Indian casinos online receiving much more attention from all age groups.
Trouble in the Air
The fall surge in coronavirus cases is not the only concern of public authorities in the big urban agglomerations. Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata have all registered an average increase of up to 20 per cent in unrelated respiratory health issues, mostly attributable to the smog and the poor air quality in their metropolitan areas.
Rising air pollution was also the reason why the authorities in NCT appealed to Delhi's residents not to indulge in the traditional feast of fireworks, as the resulting toxic gas can only make matters worse - its harmful effects on allergies, asthma and overall respiratory problems may aggravate the situation at the major healthcare centers.
In the context of a resurging virus, especially in Delhi where there have been more than half a million cases and over 8 thousand deaths, lighting up the oil lamps and sharing the warmth of the candlelight is a sight for sore eyes. But making celebrations low-key, avoiding crowds and firecrackers has become even more necessary as a show of responsible behavior towards one's neighbourhood and wider desi community.
Luckily for now, while the country is second behind only the US with over 9 million confirmed cases and 132 thousand deaths, daily infections have mostly been under control and on the decline since the middle of September.
Around the country, festival season continues with Chhath Puja but many citizens have already taken precautions and the authorities' calls for celebrations to focus on domestic traditions are producing notable effects.
Press release by: Indian Clicks, LLC