Diwali came early this year as our Prime Minister Narendra Modi had requested everyone to turn off all their lights and instead, light up diyas and candles to show solidarity, as we fight against the deadly pandemic, COVID-19. The nation's leader had released a video message to the public asking them to participate in the candle-lighting on April 5 at 9:00 PM for nine minutes.
Just like when the nation came together to applaud for the health care and essential workers, this too felt like a mass celebration by the citizens. Millions of Indians switched off lights in their homes and lit diyas and candles to spread the message. As soon as the clock struck 9, lights went out in almost every neighbourhood and diyas and candles lit up the darkness. People gathered in their balconies and verandas and also beamed flashlights.?
However, many still refused to understand the concept like last time, when they had gathered in groups?and ended up bursting crackers which totally negates the purpose of the whole thing to begin with.?
The global crisis coronavirus has claimed over 67,911 lives in the world till now and continues to haunt millions. We pray that this pandemic comes to an end soon so that the world can get back to normal.