As the world slowly transitions into the new normal and industries get back to work, we have seen a paradigm shift in the way people are celebrating the festive season this year. So, we speak to the residents of Tricity from different spheres of life about how they are celebrating Diwali in the new normal!
RENUKA SALWAN, DIRECTOR PUBLIC RELATIONS, PANJAB UNIVERSITY
What has changed for you for Diwali this year?
The Corona pandemic has changed many ways of working. Online work has increased as there are no physical meetings. Messages are percolated through social media platforms, print and electronic media. Online news portals have come as a big boon in this time to reach out to larger audiences. But still, as personal meetings are very important for exchange of information and communication in real sense, I am missing this a lot. Nevertheless, work has been in fifth gear throughout as flow of information cannot be stopped.
What are your Diwali plans?
Personally, it is going to be a family affair. Decorating the house as usual. Diyas will be lit too. However, that festive fervour of meeting and exchanging greetings on the occasion will be missed. I feel this is the time to save yourself from pandemic and celebrate life about your being alive and healthy. That’s the MOST important.
VIKRAM BANSAL, PARTNER, BR ADVERTISING SERVICE
What has changed for you for Diwali this year?
Post and pending COVID, life, in general, has changed a lot. We have been pushed back, once again, towards our past practices. Though, realising the value of hygiene, environment, health, family and simplicity in life, all have come in a hard way.
Similarly, our business and profession have also witnessed a shift in its management, conduct and volumes, obviously. Being an owner of an advertising and marketing agency, I can feel that advertisers are not being extravagant in their spends and are carefully allocating their funds in the various media. And one medium which has got a big fillip is the online and the digital media. This is a paradigm shift in the selection of mediums. Advertisers are now going in for this new digital and online advertising as it is economical, target oriented, less spillage and with high recall value, besides being economical.
On the other side, as a business house, we have learnt how to cut out on expenditures and overheads. Restricting movement and physical contact is one big difference now. Unnecessary use of paper and stationery has been curtailed. Working from home is the new ‘in’ thing in our service industry. Overall, I see wise and planned spending with efficiency in managing permeating into the working. COVID has truly given us a lesson to learn.
What are your Diwali plans?
Fortunately, I can say that it is not COVID which made me celebrate Diwali, the way I’ll do. Because it is the way I’ve been doing for the last 6 years. No exchange of gifts and no crackers.
Earlier we used to have pre-Diwali dinners, this time I think that will be affected. It will be less of get togethers. And if any, it will be restrictive in numbers.
I think it will be an exchange of wishes online and through social media platforms, like FB, Insta, Twitter and WhatsApp.
As COVID affects our breathing and lungs, I would try to convince my acquaintances to refrain from burning crackers this time. And yes, I would myself and request all to buy earthen lamps in good quantities and use mustard oil in them to lighten up our homes. This would positively affect our environment and financially help the needy ones earning their livelihood from sale of such lamps.
I would distribute sweets to the lesser privileged around me. I will spend good time with my family and would also pray and seek the blessings of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita for myself and my dear ones.
RAJNISH JAIN, PARTNER, MEENA BAZAAR
What has changed for you for Diwali this year?
This Diwali it’s going to be different and more in the traditional way – lighting of diyas & candles, decoration with flowers & rangoli, and no burning of crackers and parties.
We hope that the festival of lights brings in positivity with it and removes all the negativity. Thus, giving a boost to the overall sentiment and improving the businesses.
What are your Diwali plans?
This year, Diwali would be as always at home with family – decorating our place, making rangoli, lighting of diyas, and having some fun with kids.
DR RITU KAMRA KUMAR, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN ENGLISH, MLN COLLEGE, YAMUNANAGAR
What has changed for you for Diwali this year?
In colleges, we are missing the Diwali felicity, fervour and feasting as colleges are closed for students since march 2020.I feel much like the village school master of ‘The Deserted Village’ written by Oliver Goldsmith; walking through the locked class rooms. Vibrant and vivacious campus wears a dreary and desolate look. The Diwali celebrations of students started with the motley groups bursting crackers on sly as teachers ran here and there to catch them red handed. Diwali fair, a big hit among all, is being missed as we bought diyas and other home decor items made by our creative students. Students are the shine and sparkle lights of colleges. However, this Diwali we shall exchange virtual greetings.
What are your Diwali plans?
At home the air is redolent with the delightful Diwali spirit, time to nurture bonds and revisit invigorating rituals with family and friends. From dazzling diyas to glossy lanterns and recyclable rangoli, creativity has taken over the pre-Diwali week. No extravagance, no running on the treadmill of materialism, moderation is the mantra of our celebration, praying for peace and piety, shunning darkness of ignorance, ignoble and inimical. Coming Sunday, let lights shine and sparkle. Eat smart, stay fit and share your goodies with those who are less fortunate. Happy Diwali.
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