If you’re in India, you must know how much the festivals matter. While the ongoing Navratri is just an indication of the upcoming festivals, you must be feeling FOMO on the festivities of a grand celebration with COVID-19 lurking round the corner. This 2020 Pandemic has really been a torturous one and while everyone’s major concern is safety, there is no way we should miss out on the fun. In fact with the stress and negativity looming over us in this tough time, it has become more of a need to celebrate the festivities.
Even though the lockdown is almost over and things have pretty much started, every one of us is aware of the danger that is still prevailing and hence, going out to have fun and celebrate will be frivolous. Hence, to celebrate, we must be innovative and find better ways. After all, necessity is the mother of invention, right? Here are some tips which will help you celebrate these festivals in the safety of your homes. Help yourself :
Virtual Celebrations: We must agree that the pandemic has really brought the world to digitalization. After doorstep deliveries to online classes, it is now time to bring about digital celebrations. While there is not much boom, the celebrations will be happening at a normal pace at prominent places. The socially distanced pandals for Devi idols and Ravana effigy has been arranged for the places of major celebration. You can connect virtually for online darshan.
DIY idols: Do-it-yourself must be the theme of the year 2020 and it’s a good thing in a way that it has helped us in experiencing things the personalized way. This time, you can be more creative by making Durga idols out of clay and smaller Ravana effigies also at home. Doing things yourself attaches your emotions with it. Try to learn this skill, this festival.
Buy Local: While we are up for having a celebration our way, let’s not forget how hard it is for the local vendors who are trying hard to make their ends meet in these distressing time. Try to buy your essentials for these local sellers rather than the branded ones and cherish their smiles these festivals. Even while giving away festival gifts, do remember them.
Silent Garba: Garba Nights are the essence of Navratri. With no Garba celebrations this year, while you are posting the memories of previous years dandiya nights on social media, let’s try to find a way to make this possible this year as well. But how, you ask? Remember the video of “Breakup Song” from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil? That is the inspiration for you! Yup, gather your family, plan a Garba night with the same playlist on everyone’s headphones. It will be fun to find out a new way to enjoy.
Delightful Dishes: Every year we see our moms, grandmothers and other members prepping up the festivities by making mouth-watering dishes. This year, let’s plan to help them up. While some of us are already “quarantine chefs”, let’s try to get more closer to this part of the celebration. It’s a sure thing that cooking up together is going to create some great memories to cherish for several seasons to come.
Home Decor: Decorate your houses the way you want. Every year while we reluctantly cleaned and whitewashed the house, this year plan to do the cleaning and decoration done your way. It is the least we can do to thank the place which has kept us safe from the virus. Thank your homes, after all, festivals are all about celebrating gratitude. Go for the traditional methods of decorating rather than the modern artificial ones viz. Rangoli, floral decoration, lighting diyas, so on and so forth.
Traditional Tales: Recall the folklores of the various ancient traditions related to these festivals, learn about how it is celebrated in other cultures. This will not only enrich your knowledge but will also help in connecting yourself to your roots. It is sure that you might dig something pretty interesting.
Celebrate with Family: Festivals bring the families closer, that’s a sure thing. And if you are in India, you tend to have a joint family whom you can connect with this festival season. Cherish the moments with them as long as you are together. These moments won’t be coming back.
Be Near to Far Ones: Those who are away from us, whether be it friends or family members, let’s try to keep in touch with them. Festivals are more about solidarity and togetherness. In these tough times let us be there for each other.
While we might be missing the grand fun, it is still worth a shot. After all, happiness has no measuring unit, it’s just the smiles that matter. So, plan your festivities at home and let us pray for the betterment of the world. Take care, stay safe and have conscious fun!
