AFTER a very quiet Deepavali last year due to the movement control order (MCO), Hindus this year are delighted to be able to celebrate the ‘Festival of Light’.
However, the majority of them still plan to keep it simple at this year’s festival, which falls on Nov 4 (Thursday).
During a random survey conducted by the Buletin Mutiara team recently, it was found out that several Indian families have opted for a moderate Deepavali celebration.
For financial analyst Padmini Velayutham, 36, she and her family have decided to spend quality time whilst enjoying movie time together at home during the Deepavali break.
“Usually during Deepavali holidays, TV channels will be screening good movies and shows in conjunction with the celebration.
“So, this year, it will be a time of fellowship with all my loved ones as well as having a quality movie time with my family members.
“After all, Deepavali will be just another day for us. We do not have the mood to celebrate it in a grand manner as we know many families out there have been impacted financially and mentally by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Moreover, we do not have the urge to go for Deepavali shopping in order to avoid the crowd.
“We feel it is better for us to just stay at home after considering the safety aspect,’’ she said.
Another respondent, Puspalatha Pattaliraman , 57, said she is glad that the Deepavali celebration has been permitted this year.
“After a muted year, we now get to celebrate Deepavali. The best part of it is, we get to meet our loved ones for Deepavali as well as we can go visiting.
“Nevertheless, the celebration will be very moderate this year. Thus, we plan to wear whatever that we have.
“Apart from that, we, as fellow human beings, do not really have the festive mood knowing that many others are still affected by this pandemic.
“Some have lost their family members, jobs, and are even affected mentally and emotionally,’’ said Puspalatha, who is an administrative executive.
For Dr Rajathi Ponnalagu, 28, who is currently working at the Penang Hospital, she said with travel restriction being lifted this year, it would be a livelier celebration for her family.
“My siblings from other states will be coming down to Penang this year for Deepavali and I am waiting eagerly for our gathering.
“Although it is a moderate celebration, Deepavali is going to be merrier this year for us as we get to meet up after such a long time. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Deepavali,’’ said Dr Rajathi.
Meanwhile, 56-year-old engineer, Jaychandran Menon advised those who are celebrating the festival to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) during the festivity.
“Not everyone is privileged enough to celebrate Deepavali this year.
“Some would have had lost their source of income and I know that many business people have also suffered badly due to the pandemic.
“As for me and my family, we want to celebrate Deepavali moderately.
“And I hope that everyone will take into account their safety while celebrating the festival,” he added.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Tanushalini Moroter & Courtesy of Interviewees