Diwali in Times of Covid

   This year, we were hit by a global pandemic and it had a huge impact on our lives.  Everything stopped overnight. In march, weekdays felt like weekends, and now weekends feel like weekdays. Day & night make no difference. 

   We have forgotten time’s rhythm, but during these past eight months, every now and then we were surprised by joyous festivals. The temporary excitement of occasions kept us distracted from the ongoing reality. Though, it was not like before. We couldn’t meet our friends, family and loved ones in person. We couldn’t exchange gifts. We couldn’t feed them sweets. 

   These festivals came as small moments of happiness, which reminded us to be hopeful. Reminded us to celebrate every moment of our life, because who knows what’s going to happen tomorrow.

   After eight months of lockdown, we are finally able to move. The pandemic is not over, but with proper precautions we can get back to our jobs. In a couple of days, we will celebrate diwali.

   Diwali, also called Deepavali, symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”. It is from Sanskrit dīpāwali meaning “row or series of lights”. It is celebrated over the span of five days. The third day is devoted to Maa Lakshmi, being the most auspicious.

   Now that the rules of the lockdown are a bit relaxed, we can celebrate diwali with a little more fun. We are still in the middle of the pandemic, so we should practice social distancing & prepare for a safe diwali. We should also take care of our environment, and have an eco-friendly diwali.

   Let’s spread the light of diwali to our near & dear ones, to the people who play an essential & pivotal role in this pandemic.

Let the glorious light of DIWALI rule over the darkness of the pandemic.

Bon Voyage! Abby