Grand holi celebration unlikely this year due to Covid

In Maharashtra, on the eve of Holi, typically after sunset, a pyre is lit, signifying “Holika Dahan”.

The festival of Holi will be celebrated on March 28, but this year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a grand celebration is more than unlikely.

Residents are confused and unaware about how to celebrate the festival, as there are no guidelines yet from the state government or the civic bodies

In Maharashtra, on the eve of Holi, typically after sunset, a pyre is lit, signifying “Holika Dahan”.

There are public celebrations and social events usually planned around this event in housing societies.

This year, residents are confused and unaware about how to celebrate the festival, as there are no guidelines yet from the state government or the civic bodies.

Due to the increasing number of Covid cases, restrictions have been imposed in the district, under which not more than 50 persons are allowed to attend any gathering or function.

Deepti Singh, a member of the Kingsbury building of the Pride World City housing society in Lohegaon, said, “The state government has not yet issued any specific guidelines for Holi celebrations. they should have published specific norms and set an advisory prior to the festival. It is one of the biggest festivals in the country and people do a lot of planning and preparation.”

Pritesh Kamathe, secretary of Swapnshil Residency in Kondhwa, said, “Holi is one of the major festivals which we celebrate in our society and there are traditional rituals. Due to the increase in Covid numbers, we have decided to call residents in time slots so that there won’t be any crowding at the society’s Holika Dahan programme. Also, social distancing will be maintained.”