Nine days, nine colours and a whole lot of revelry – that is what we associate with Navratri each year. Adding to the charm of the celebrations is Durgo Pujo, with its equally vibrant festivities. However, with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, we’re aware that we may not be able to celebrate the vibrant festival quite like how we would have planned.
Even though we may manage only virtual celebrations, we’ve drawn up a list of nine things we just can’t wait to do this festive season!
1 Celebrate virtually
Zoom calls have taken over our lives, and that extends to celebrations as well. While we will miss pandal-hopping in real time, get a glimpse of the your favourite Durga Pujo pandal virtually and take part in the rituals online.
2 Binge on the food
While pandal hopping may be virtual, thank goodness the food isn’t! Bringing in some festive cheer, you can now relish your favourite Pujo bhog or prasad from the comfort of your home, courtesy local food delivery services.
3 Keep that mask on!
This one gets full marks for innovation! Given that masks are an integral part of our wardrobes now, celebrate the vivid Navratri colours by donning a coordinating face mask every day. Virtual celebrations give us the much-awaited opportunity to air our finery – after all, what’s life without a little bling!
4 Take dancing lessons
If you want to be the one making the winning dance moves, how about taking things up a notch by signing up for online dancing lessons? Register yourself for virtual dandiya competitions and watch your winning moves streamed online for everyone to admire!
5 Dance your blues away
Don’t let virtual celebrations take all the joy out of life! Now that you’ve taken online dance lessons, put on your dancing shoes and log on to virtual or e-dandiya and garba nights and party away! Have you purchased your e-passes yet?
6 Bond with your family
There’s nothing like enjoying festivities with your loved ones, even if the celebrations might be restricted to home. Create a festive atmosphere with flower garlands and diyas, and bring out the sweets. Don’t forget to dress up, and show up!
7 Try something new
Unleash your inner masterchef this festive season! There can be no better time to surprise your loved ones with some homemade mithai or savouries!
8 Support local businesses
The pandemic has been hard on all of us, and that extends to local vendors as well. When you’re lighting up your home this festive season, how about making your purchases from small local businesses; thus lighting up their homes as well?
9 Cheer your favourite team
While this may not be your regular Navratri or Durga Pujo celebration, add to the festive cheer by rooting for your favourite Indian Premier League team and players. With the IPL being aired on our screens at this time of year instead of in April, use this opportunity for some extra family bonding!
Ushering in hope and happiness
Remember the time when we could cough or sneeze without people looking at us in alarm? Before we toss away those masks, let’s remember that COVID-19 has disrupted millions of lives globally, and being responsible (by wearing masks diligently!) is one of the ways we can optimistically look forward to celebrating this festive season.
What’s on your to-do list for the festive season? Together, let’s usher in healthy and safe festivities!