FESTIVE AUGUST 2020
CORONA hence COVID-19 has been considered a pandemic as it is spread all over the world and affecting people in billions . We all have been restricted of outings and gatherings , celebrating festivals were the worthy remembering moments for us but social distancing has interrupted in a very devastated way . So here we have entered in the month of festivals , August . It provides us with a reason of gatherings and greetings with our family and friends . Once upon a time there had been days we used to get holidays for the festival. Amid lockdown , we can definitely illuminate our rituals and traditions .This pandemic can distance us but the connectivity still strengthens and humanity prevails . But the present scenario has altogether changed and crunched to certain limitations. Lets make these upcoming festivals more worthy and unique from our every passed years . Something which will comply with our world guidelines and our rituals .
1 .The very first festival August started with was EID . People around the world celebrate this festivity with all greetings and those warm hugs previously . Adopting social distancing and using masks and embracing , hugging , handshakes have been outmoded being replaced with mere NAMASTE . If gifting someone does not get implemented the way we used to , then gift them virtually as we all are so addicted to online shopping presently . We should definitely cope up with the on-going scenario . EID MUBARAK .
2. Secondly lets shift to our lovingly favorite , RAKSHABANDHAN . These on-going shutdowns have definitely crushed our plannings . But adjusting with the guidelines , we can celebrate it digitally of course . The loved ones have celebrated it in video-calls . Keeping the present scenario in sight , sisters shall put on masks on their brothers’ faces instead of rakhis this time and in return brothers throughout the INDIA should gift their sisters with sanitizers replacing Rakhi gifts . Its a festival of love and care between siblings and nevertheless it has changed in none . But this time our corona warriors were tied with Rakhis by as they are the real saviors in this pandemic situation .
3. Here we are now heading towards JANMASHTAMI . As we are asked to avoid public gatherings , but we aren’t restricted to avoid our celebrations . LORD KRISHNA is the symbol of love . Lord Krishna birth is celebrated with great pomp and show , with events and pandals throughout INDIA. As this year restricts many more events but the devotees still welcomes the way it has been since years . Digitally devotees can celebrate it by fasting , preparing delicious foods and offering their items to LORD KRISHNA at their homes . Yes though devotees cannot attend the recitation programs held at various temples but they can organize them at their homes with their families. Digitally but elegantly Lord Krishna is greeted again .
4. The most important event in August that we all students always wait for is INDEPENDENCE DAY of INDIA which has been constantly on 15th of august. Students participating in parades and events which were held in schools and colleges on this day will miss this day no doubts . With the on-going scenario , parades and events are definitely not possible but the remembrance of the sacrifice of our great warriors can be acknowledged , even at our respective homes we can add freedom of thoughts and freedom of prayers and we can show solidarity and patriotism despite caste , religion and financial divides . We can unfurl the National Flags to melt the boundaries , to reflect unity and to stand together .
5. So here we are gearing up towards GANESH CHATURTHI . These shutdowns can’t lessen our devotion . We all know mouse is the vahana of Lord Ganesh and technically mouse is the vahana of we humans which drive us to grab our knowledge despite all humans . Lets make this Ganesh Chaturthi as wonderful moreover digitally . Though public gatherings and pandals are restricted , lets decorate our worship place with the same grace and devotion . We shall welcome and greet Lord Ganesh effigies and also bid a graceful bye for His visit at our homes avoiding gatherings and meetings even offering Him with sacred food items . Happy Ganesh Chaturthi folks .
6. Lets now discuss MUHARRAM , last but never the least . This pandemic has taught us we are together beyond the religion . In technology and science , these festivals unite us in a broader range . Fasts and mourns unite the devotees but as these shutdowns restrict gatherings at mosques , so devotees pray and mourn putting on black clothes and avoiding gatherings and public contacts at their respective homes . Being restricted to go out during these shutdowns , devotees thank ALLAH in their respective homes and conduct the programs which are been held in mosques since years .
From the last couple of months we are fighting against a festival : COVID-19 in an organized way with a ritual of social distancing , mandatory attires are masks and with the sacred water as sanitizers . So digitally and virtually even we can celebrate our festivals safely and cautiously to keep ourselves and our families safe from Corona Virus as gatherings and physical contacts can spread this virus more among people. Video calling our families and friends create a sense of being united despite distance. We all need to follow the guidelines and shutdowns and be in a insured environment to be safe and to be healthy . STAY HOME STAY SAFE :)
