Bhubaneswar: Holi is an ancient Hindu festival that celebrates the colours of victory of truth over evil. But the spirit of the festival this year seems apparently under seize by an evil virus - the COVID-19.
In less than a month, the virus has entered into as many as eight states. Pune (Maharashtra) and Punjab are the new additions yesterday. COVID-19 positives were earlier detected in J&K, Karnataka, Delhi, UP and Kerala. The positive count in India is fast inching towards the 50 mark as the numbers touched 47 yesterday late night.
And WHO's latest situation report has observed that spike in cases in India are due to local transmission, which is a very alarming comment. Because, local transmission makes the country prone to community transmission.
While WHO says adults are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than children, the observations of the apex world health body is simply scary. It says mortality for COVID-19 appears higher than seasonal influenza.
WHO says, "The data we have so far indicate that the crude mortality ratio (the number of reported deaths divided by the reported cases) is between 3-4%, the infection mortality rate (the number of reported deaths divided by the number of infections) will be lower. In comparison, for seasonal influenza, mortality is usually well below 0.1%."
It further added that the reproductive number – the number of secondary infections generated from one infected individual – is understood to be between 2 and 2.5 for COVID-19 virus, higher than for influenza.
It is in the context of this virulent feature of COVID-19, almost all top political leaders have in a way had called for Holi lockdown to rein in the rampaging virus.
The statement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah puts it all in black and white. "Holi is a very important festival for we Indians but in the wake of Coronavirus, I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan celebration this year. I also appeal everyone to avoid public gatherings and take a good care of yourself and your family," he tweeted.
PM Modi has also called for a muted Holi celebration. He tweeted, "Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme".
President Ram Nath Kovind has also cancelled the annual Holi celebrations at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The official release of Rashtrapati Bhawan termed it as a 'precautionary measure'.
Not only PM and HM, CM Naveen Patnaik has also decided not to participate in any Holi milan programme today. Even, his morning Holi wish again harps on the 'safe' Holi aspect.
Sample this. In 2018, CM has tweeted "Heartiest greetings to all on Holi. May the festival of colours fill our lives with happiness, peace and prosperity".
In 2020, the CM tweeted "May the blessings of Lord Jagannath make the festival of colours joyous for all. Let everyone celebrate the Holi fest safely".
The difference of language is clearly discernible. In 2018, the "safety" concern of CM was missing. But in 2020, the "safety" concern is quite conspicuous.
Not only CM Patnaik, Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal has also decided not to join any Holi Milan programmes owing to COVID-19.
Many top bureaucrats have also joined the 'Holi Lockdown' bandwagon. SRC Pradeep Jena said he will not be joining any Holi milan programme, though he linked his non-participation to pollution.
Amidst Holi lockdown by the top line politicians and bureaucrats, the Gen X, however, looks simply irresistible to the temptation of this colourful fest.
Reports attribute the decline in Holi sales this year to muted response from the age-group of 30-plus years. The fervour and enthusiasm among the Gen X - college going teens remain undiminished.
"A drop in sales of water pistols and sprays have been observed, which were mostly used by children. The footfalls of parents scouting for Holi sale items have seen a drastic dip this year," said Sanatan Sahoo, a shopkeeper selling exclusive holi items in Old town, Bhubaneswar.
Significantly, most of the colleges in the city, like earlier years, have organised Holi Milans on Sunday and Monday. And Gen-X revellers were seen hitting the roads as early as 6:30 morning to indulge in Holi revelry.
"The advisory released by State Health department asks for avoiding body contact with sick persons. In our college, no one is sick. All are healthy. We have no fear of COVID-19," said Prateek Garabadhu, a student of a reputed private engineering college in the city.
Moreover, Holi celebration by large gatherings reported from different parts of the State, despite advisories cautioning everyone to avoid large crowds. Even, public health officials here are of the view that people should restrict Holi celebrations to small groups, ideally just family members.
Vigil on COVID-19:
*As many as 11,913 cases are under IDSP community followup.
*A high of 404 Indian contacts of the US citizen who tested positive in Bhutan have been identified and put under surveillance in Assam.
*Now, 286 doctors, 160 nurses & 295 paramedics are stationed at airports across the country.
*A total of 9.417 lakh international passengers from 8,827 flights have been screened till date with 54 passengers being referred to IDSP/ hospitals.