Indian people want to show the message of communal harmony in festivals, which is very significant at this time of corona crisis..
PC THOMAS
As
we are now witnessing that the coronavirus pandemic has impacted religion
in various ways, including the cancellation of collective worship-services of
various faiths and the abandonment of pilgrimages surrounding
observances and festivals. Therefore, so far this year, people over the world
have not been able to celebrate any festival outdoors collectively due to the
pandemic and they have limited themselves in safe confinements of homes with
prayers and meditations. Read more articles PC Thomas
States
like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Karnataka and
Tamil Nadu generally witness festivities on large-scale during the 10-day-long
Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. But, this year, with the virus calling for social
distancing, most families are avoiding the act of welcoming more friends and
family members at home. People are reportedly making their own clay Ganesha
idols this season and online and offline workshops are helping the devout make
eco-friendly idols at home.
India
is the country where all religions of people are seen. Every one of them celebrates
different festivals. Celebrations assume a significant role in our day-to-day
life. In our everyday life we will be similar, but in the event of festivals we
will be in a unique way. India is known for unity and all people irrespective
of religions, celebrate the festivals together. There are numerous celebrations
that all of us celebrate such as Baisakhi, Dussehra, Diwali, Christmas, Ramzan,
Muharram and so on. Therefore, India is known as the country of festivals.
Indian
people want to show the message of communal harmony in festivals, which is very
significant at this time of corona crisis. Yes, India has already witnessed the
religious harmony – Last year, in Hubli village of
Karnataka State, both Hindus and Muslims gathered at one Panthal, where
arrangements have been made for Ganesh Chaturthi and Muharram. According
to the locals, people in the Hubli village are eager to celebrate all the
festivals together, be it Holi, Diwali or Eid al-Fitr !
Ganesh
Chaturthi festival of today is an occasion to promote goodwill, unity and solidarity
among the people, which will empower us to keep up the harmony and goodwill across
states. There is something awesome about this festival – It transforms the
ordinary into the extra-ordinary, darkness into light and desolation into ecstasy.
A devotee shared his feeling in such a way: “Nothing can supplant the peace and
happiness that Ganesha brings to the faithful each year”. Let all celebrations
strengthen unity in diversity so that coronavirus pandemic may be over –
Here is wishing you a very happy, prosperous and healthy life on the auspicious
occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. This Article published in Metro Vaartha on 22.8.20.
