AHMEDABAD: Festivities are invariably about hope, fervour and pure, unfiltered enthusiasm. But since the pandemic outbreak, keeping celebrations in check while striving to keep the spirits high has become the new normal. This year’s Uttarayan is no different.
While enthusiasts are all game about hitting the terrace early in the morning, soaking in the sun and enjoying flying kites, the echoes of kai po che may be muted amid surging Covid-19 cases and a slew of restrictions.
With the state government guidelines prohibiting large gatherings on terraces and the use of loudspeakers, Makar Sankranti will be a tad lacklustre than usual this year.
“I love kite flying and since I was a child, I haven’t missed celebrating it. Though there will be no loudspeakers or huge gatherings, I am sure it is going to be as lovely flying a kite and enjoying the festivities with my daughter and nephew,” said Jignesh Desai, a Vejalpur resident.
On the eve of the festival, markets across Delhi Darwaza, Raipur and Kalupur, were abuzz with buyers. Colourful kites bearing messages encouraging vaccination and staying safe are aplenty here. The overall sales have remained dull in the first 10 days of January. As a consequence, even kite makers have reduced prices to boost sales.
And while Covid-19 continues to disrupt travel plans, it doesn’t seem to have dampened the enthusiasm of kite flyers. Residential societies have issued advisories to encourage people to exercise caution. “We have advised the members to avoid gathering extra crowds in the society,” said Chiranjeev Jha, chairman, Richmond Grand Society in Makarba.
“Guests won’t be denied entry. Plans have been made to manage the crowds on terraces by allotting time to specific blocks of the apartment,” he said.
On the other hand, certain other societies are strict in imposing guidelines. Arvind Chauhan, chairman of a society in Jodhpur, said, “We haven’t organized social events in the past two years. The members are concerned about their safety. We have taken necessary steps like screening at the society gate, frequent sanitation and compulsory masks.”
