IS IT INDEED A CORONAFUL HOLI ?

 BY ANANYA JAIN

This Holi colours of joy are replaced by masks on the faces. The festival of colours and gatherings is overshadowed by coronavirus this year. The virus scare has dampened the Holi celebrations throughout the country. Collective Holi celebrations have been called off amidst the spread scare. Resident Welfare Associations and housing societies have cancelled the otherwise boisterous Holi events. Farmhouses and hotels have also cancelled their Holi celebration events. The sale of colours, water-guns, toys and other items has also taken a hit. The Holi market has gone down by more than 50 percent. An unprecedented slump in the sales of Holi toys has been reported. Holi toys from China amounting to Rs 500 crore remain unsold. People are wary of buying Holi toys and pichkaris under the scare of coronavirus. Malls and multiplexes see a huge cut in footfall, the sale is badly impacted. People are avoiding traditional Holi shopping at local markets too. The 14th edition of the Holi Moo Festival in the Capital too stands cancelled. The festival witnessed over 7000 attendees from 80 countries in 2019. Even the celebrations at the cultural hub of Dilli Haat have been called off. Keeping the health of attendees in mind, Delhi Tourism Department cancelled both the events. Small kiosks set up by entrepreneurs  across the cities are also missing this time. The traditional 'Holi Milan' and 'juloos' programmes are also cancelled in cities .It is safer if the festival is confined to homes and small gatherings. Travel industry is also bearing the brunt during the festival. Many people who work away from home  are avoiding travel to reach home. Festivities and joy are very deep rooted as part of the culture of our country  . However,at this point of time they seem to be threatened and we can only hope that this dull Holi is followed by colourful, bright and healthy days for all .