Holi becomes a low-key celebration amid coronavirus scare

Guwahati: While there are many festivals that we celebrate with fervor, it is the festival of Holi that we most look forward to every year, for it is a celebration like no other, and one that brings people of different communities together to eat, dance, throw colors and make merry.

However, in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country, on Wednesday the Centre asked the states and union territories to consider imposing local restrictions due to the festivals and limit or do away with mass gatherings for effective control of the pandemic.

However, Assam government has not imposed any such kind of ban in the state.

Holi this year, too, have been a muted affair not just for those who wish to celebrate the festival but also for the small traders. Traders have stocked themselves with goods in hope of better sales, unlike the pandemic year when consumers had completely refrained from visiting markets resulting in a gradual loss in business.

This year also there is a tremendous decline and markets have been relatively empty in the week of Holi. The sale of colors, water-guns, toys, and other items has also taken a hit. Malls and multiplexes see a huge cut in footfall, the sale is badly impacted.

People feel safer if the festival is confined to homes and small gatherings. The travel industry is also bearing the brunt during the festival. Many people who work away from home are avoiding travel to reach home.

With the second wave of coronavirus setting off alarm bells across the country, it is imperative that the people choose to forego the joys of indulging in the mass participatory festival of ‘Holi’ this year.

Experts around the world have already advised people to reduce mass gatherings in order to avoid the spread of the virus.

Read More: Holi: Local Holiday declared under Kamrup Metro District on March 29