How to Celebrate Diwali During Lockdown in India?

Diwali is the most widely celebrated Hindu Festival which falls in the month of Kartika and celebrations last for 5 days. It is symbolic of the victory of good over evil as it is associated mythologically with Lord Rama defeating Ravana and coming back victorious to Ayodhya. The kingdom lit up to welcome him back and mark the victory of light over darkness. Diwali or Deepawali is often associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth.

Diwali 2020 will be celebrated on November 14th and the excitement is buzzing around the markets in India. Homes gear up by cleaning, making rangolis, lighting lamps and diyas and the celebrations are unmatchable. Notwithstanding the COVID -19 induced lockdown, Diwali can still be celebrated with equal fun and joy during the pandemic. While one is restricted in going to relatives and friends houses to greet and gift Diwali greetings, but there are several other festivities that can still be done with social distancing and in safe parameters.

1. Home Décor –

Diwali celebrations begin at home. So one can start the festivities by having a clean your home drive. The whole family can get involved in this and they can clean up the entire home. Decluttering is also a good idea. As is believed in Hindu scriptures, Goddess Lakshmi likes to visit clean houses which do not have extra clutter around. Thus you can plan a cleaning activity at home. Follow up the cleaning with a decoration activity. You can use buntings, lanterns, diyas, flower garlands to decorate your house. Torans are often used at entry points of homes to welcome the Gods and Goddesses.

2. Rangoli Contest –

Making rangolis is a part of Diwali home decor and everyone decks up their homes with colorful rangolis around Diwali. One can have a group rangoli contest between families. This can especially be done if someone stays in a condominium complex and there are many families. Everyone can make a rangoli and then share pictures online. A neutral judge can decide based on the pictures which house has the best rangoli. This not only ensures your house looks pretty but brings out the competitive spirit in the household also.

3. Diwali Gifts –

One very big ritual associated with Diwali is gifting. People give Diwali gifts to their friends, families and employees. With the lockdown, one is not able to visit another’s house to give them Diwali greetings. In the absence of this, online gifting sites come in to the rescue. One can order Diwali sweets online and get them delivered to their loved ones houses. Similarly, any other Diwali hampers, Diwali dry fruits etc can also be the chosen Diwali gift.

4. Digital Games –

Diwali celebrations in offices are a very big thing. But with offices working from home these days, digital games will save the day. There are several websites that offer group games for team building and fun. These activities can be planned for Diwali and the whole office can participate. Everyone can dress up in the households in Indian ethnic wear and then play these online games for Diwali.

So, it is all about mixing tradition with some innovation to make sure for a Happy Diwali during lockdown.