ASSAM TIMES POST
Guwahati : With reports of 43 persons testing positive for Corona Virus COVID-19 in the country, including a US national passing through the state, Holi celebrations in Assam appears to be restrained this time with the usual revelry by large groups of people, particularly of youngsters and children, few and far.
The sale of phakuwa (coloured Holi powder), water guns and caps was also low complained wholesalers and retailers of these products as people were fearing they could be imported from China where Covid-19 broke out killing thousands of people.
People who earlier years would gather at street corners with Holi powder and buckets of coloured water to put on passersby were conspicuously absent though some younsters were seen playing near their homes with turmeric and indigo powder, flour and such other home-made products,Parents of children and others said they were being careful and restraining themselves as the government has people to be cautious and avoid big gatherings.
Moni Gogoi, mother of two school-going kids, said unlike previous year she wanted her children safe and not exposed to Corona Virus by not playing with phakuwa as “it could be imported from China”.
College student Binoy Rajkhowa said due to the Corona Virus scare he and his friends are this time giving a miss to the usual Holi revelry like in ealier years when they go out on their motorcycles in large numbers to put colour on their friends from house to house and hostels.
A large number of apartment housing societies and rain dance event organisers across the state have also not put in place any mass Holi gatherings as a precautionary measure against spread of the disease taking a cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top political leaders stating they would not be part of any ‘Holi Milan’ gathering this year.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal conveying his greetings to people on the auspicious occasion of Holi said, “Let us together celebrate the festival of colours and usher in peace, happiness & harmony in our lives. I also urge all to take special care due to the Coronavirus outbreak & use natural colours to celebrate”.
Though disappointed that their stock of Holi items had hardly been picked up by retailers despite them not being imported from China, wholesale dealers at the same time appreciated public caution and concern for taking preventive measures against the virus.
Meanwhile, Holi or Doul Utsav was celebrated with traditional rituals at the 15th century Vaisnavite Batadrava, Barpeta and other Satras (monastries across the state set up by Assamese social-religious reformer, saint-scholar, poet, playwright Srimanta Sankardeb though the gathering of disciples was less this time from earlier years, said their authorities who advised people to play Holi with locally made natural colours.
