Our country is in a complete lockdown for 21 days. On 25th March, all the video streaming companies agreed together to provide only premium SD content on cellular networks. Film organization decided to suspend the production of films, TV shows, and web series until 31st March. Besides, they agreed to lower the rate to 480p to minimize the burden on the telecommunications networks over the 21-day lockdown, during which there will be an unprecedented mobile usage as people have been confined to their homes. Everything is affected because of the coronavirus pandemic. Bearing in mind that the next few weeks will be critical for India, which is sitting on the tip of the infection entering the community transmission phase, we have to underscore the festivities as well. With a host of festivals coming up in the next few days, the authorities will have to make special efforts to ensure social distancing. While you are at home, you should be aware of different dos and don’ts of social distancing..
List of Indian Festivals that will be affected:
In the first two weeks of April, there are many big and small festivals happening in India. Navratri and Ramanavami are just completed. People from all over India supported the decision of the government of India not to celebrate the festival outside. The month of April is an important one for all religions, including Hindu, Muslims, Christians, Jains, and Sikhs. Each of these religions has its festivals coming in the next week. So, let’s see which Indian festivals are happening this month and how they will be affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Mahaveer Jayanti: 6 April
It is also known as Mahaveer Jayanti, and it will be celebrated on 6 April this year. This festival marks the birth of Vardhamana (Mahavira), the first king of India and one of the most influential and influential leaders of his time. On this day, which marks the essence of the Jain calendar, the Jains, who are the oldest religious community in India, who followed in the footsteps of Adinatha, celebrates the Mahavir Jayanti festival. But due to coronavirus, people are not allowed to go outside and gather in one place. So, Mahavir Jayanti celebrations are affected.
Shab-e-Barat (Mid-Sha’ban): 8 April – 9 April
The Shab-e-Barat, also known as the Night of Forgiveness, is celebrated every year on the nights of the 14th and 15th Shaban. It is a night in which Allah (Subhanahu wa ta ‘ala) determines the destiny of the coming year and is celebrated and enjoyed in the middle of Shabaan. This is the month in which the followers of Islam arm themselves and prepare for the coming fast. This month is associated with Ramadan, which is why the Holy Prophet (SA) loved him so much. Due to coronavirus lockdown, Muslims cannot celebrate this festival with the same zeal and enthusiasm.
Good Friday: 10 April
This is the time for Christians to remember the day when Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. The Bible does not command us to set aside a specific day to remember the sacrifice of Christ, but it states that “it is the time when Christians remember that day on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Although it is generally believed that Christ was crucified on Friday, the day or week of the crucifixion is not mentioned in the Bible. Although Christ says in a line from the Gospel of Matthew that he would be dead for three days and three nights, crucifixions took place on Thursday and Friday. Christians celebrate Good Friday Catholic by attending services and fasting, as well as fasting. Coronavirus lockdown has made it impossible for Christians to celebrate one of the biggest festivals not only in India but in the whole world. Mass Gathering at churches are not allowed.
Easter: 12 April
This is a unique event that proves that those who trust in God and accept Christ will be raised from the dead. This event is particularly significant because Christians, by recognizing and believing in Jesus’ death and resurrection, know that their faith, as opposed to work or action, enables them to enter Heaven and spend eternity with Jesus when they die. The change of color on Easter and the following Sundays helps to convey the purity and newness that accompanies the victory over sin and death. It is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the triumph of sin over death, and a sign of new life in the new world. Christians from all over the world are convincing people to celebrate Easter 2020 at home due to coronavirus lockdown. This will prevent the further spread of COVID-19 disease as large gatherings help in spreading the virus.
Vaisakhi: 13 April
For centuries, Vaisakhi has marked the spring harvest, and Punjabi farmers celebrate the occasion with community meetings and festivities. While most of the celebrations take place in northern India, the festival is also celebrated by Sikhs in countries such as Canada, Malaysia, and the UK. Several significant historical events are associated with the festival, including the birth of Guru Gobind Singh’s son Guru Nanak Singh, who was introduced to the Khalsa Panth as a Sikh at the age of 12, and his death in 1869.But this year, Gurdwaras propose postponing activities to mark Vaisakhi, including Nagar kirtans-hymn-singing processions that can draw thousands of people.
Vishu: 14 April
The day of Vishu falls on the day when the spring equinox comes to an end, and the term “Vishu” means the same. It is a celebration that celebrates the birth of the new year, the beginning of a new season, and also the beginning of a new life. Vishu is celebrated with much fanfare and vigor in some parts of Kerala and is also considered a festival of hope and prosperity. Other states also celebrate their New Year at the same time, and while Kerala celebrates Vishu Bisu, other states like Punjab celebrate Baisakhi, and Bihu is celebrated in Assam. The nationwide lockdown amidst the coronavirus pandemic has made it almost impossible to celebrate the festival in the way people always do.
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Ambedkar Jayanti: 14 April
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was an Indian lawyer, economist, politician, and social reformer who influenced the Dalit Buddhist movement and protested against the social injustice done to untouchables. 14 April is also the anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth. His followers celebrate the day with large congregations and pomp. Due to the ongoing lockdown, his large number of followers will have to celebrate his anniversary at home.
Government is doing everything to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Small businesses can survive during this epidemic by following some simple strategies. President Ramnath Kovind said, “People must fight the COVID-19 virus with full determination. Maintain social distancing and all other precautions while celebrating the festivals”. The Vice President of India, Mr. M. Venkaiah Naidu, urged the people of India to celebrate festivals indoors. “I appeal to the people to celebrate these festivals within their homes and avoid large gatherings. Let us give our complete and unconditional support to our government and our healthcare professionals in the war against COVID- 19,” he said.
Yes, it will not be the same, celebrating a festival at home as it is outside. Yes, our festivals will be a little bit ruined this year. You have to keep one thing in mind that festivals come every year, but coronavirus is an unwelcome guest. If we want to throw it out of our country and from the world, we have to maintain social distancing. As there is no cure available for the COVID-19 disease as of today, the best thing we can do is avoid gatherings and unnecessary meetings, and to be at home.