This year, Diwali festive spirits were challenged by the health crisis. As families learn to adapt, traditions evolve into a digital dimension.
An Unusual Festival of Lights
This Diwali, more than a billion Indians celebrated a little differently. Urban neighborhoods still had the usual charming dress of warm lights dancing among house windows. Families still got together in prayer and exchanged gifts.
But there was not to be seen the traditional exuberance of trying to visit as many loved ones as possible. And there were less parades and events, as people were urged to stay at home amid concerns of rising Covid-19 numbers, yet again.
With more than 9 million confirmed cases and over 132 thousand deaths so far, India is the second most affected country globally, behind the US. And despite the fact that daily new infections have been declining ever since the end of summer, some areas such as the Capital Territory of Delhi have not been able to flatten the curve sufficiently.
In a show of good intentions and proper behavior, the NCT Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, appeared with some of the capital’s important figures at the Diwali Puja at the Akshardham Temple. The prayer ceremony was streamed online and shown on national TV, as were several others from some of the more high profile pujas.
A Digital Dimension to Social Relations
As celebrations were toned down across most of the country, online activities dominated the scene. Health concerns and logistics limitations made many families opt for colorful video meetings and group WhatsApp chats.
As many citizens stayed altogether at home, most were comforted by the modern means of reaching out to relatives and friends. Traditional small-time holiday games also seemed to have moved online, as online gambling in India peaked during recent weeks – much as it did during Spring lockdown.
Poor Air Quality Discourages Fireworks
This year’s Diwali was also different for another reason: Authorities appealed to people not to set off the traditional fireworks, as much as this sounded a bit too far-fetched to holidaymakers. A growing concern with increasing air pollution and deteriorating air quality has led to some experts linking the aggravation of all related respiratory problems to the Covid-19 crisis.
While the correlation has not been proven categorically, the smog in some of India’s major agglomerations has been tormenting the local residents. Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata have had a spike in respiratory health-related issues in the fall, and the last thing the healthcare system needs in this critical period is to be overwhelmed with allergies, asthma and breathing problems caused by the harmful effects of the toxic air.
Yet, some lights are simply unavoidable. For the majority of desi families – regardless of generations, urban or rural – the lighting of the good old oil lamps and candles means simply proclaiming victory of light over darkness. A must for a proper Diwali celebration, these cornerstones of our culture make everyone look with more optimism to a better 2021.
Press release by: Indian Clicks, LLC
