COVID-19 scare dampens Holi spirit in Assam

The widespread coronavirus scare has taken a toll on the Holi market in Guwahati with the sale of colours and other paraphernalia taking a discernible dip this time. A variety

The widespread coronavirus scare has taken a toll on the Holi market in Guwahati with the sale of colours and other paraphernalia taking a discernible dip this time.

A variety of colours have brightened up every nook and corner of the state. But due to the threat of coronavirus, the festive spirit has dampened to a large extent.

Traders in the city were hoping of sales picking up a day before the festival, but the footfall on Sunday failed to lift their spirits.

People are avoiding colours imported from China and are using locally made colours this year.

Although a large number of people turned up for Holi festivities in Nagaon’s Batadrawa Satra today, people were seen wearing face masks and not indulging in playing with colours over coronavirus threat.

Holi is also being celebrated in accordance with tradition and rituals at the historic Barpeta Satra.

Locals in Assam’s Gohpur have resorted to using turmeric instead of traditional colours for celebrating Holi. People were seen using a mixture made out of turmeric instead of colours procured from various sources in the market.

People indulging in festivities at the Doul Utsav in Rangia are avoiding spurious colours from the market and are instead using colours made from turmeric, indigo and other natural items.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that he would not celebrate Holi this year due to Coronavirus outbreak, the state health department including chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal too advised people not to play Holi, and be safe on this day.

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