Team Herald
PANJIM/MAPUSA: Goa on Wednesday celebrated a subdued Gudi Padwa, as people stayed indoors in view of national lockdown till April 14, 2020. Gudi Padwa is the first day of the month of Chaitra and marks the beginning of the New Year as per the Hindu calendar.
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People hoisted the traditional ‘gudi’ in their balconies and windows and with no visits as many posted their indoor celebration photos on social media. Many families could not decorate the ‘gudi’ with flowers and mango/neem leaves as the markets were shut. The traditional ‘toran,’ a garland of marigold flowers, at the house entrances was also missing owing to the lockdown.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant extended his greetings to the people with a message to remain safe to fight COVID-19. “Coronavirus has been a world pandemic. Let us resolve to be responsible and as a preventive measure to stop the spread of coronavirus, practice social distancing. Let’s celebrate Gudi Padwa by staying at home,” he said in his message to the people.
Several other leaders including Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, Revenue Minister Jennifer Monserrate, and others besides Opposition Leader Digambar Kamat, Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai and Independent MLA Rohan Khaunte took to social media to greet the people on the occasion.
Meanwhile, the celebration of Gudi Padwa was low key throughout Bardez and Pernem, owing to the nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In response to the lockdown, many temples cancelled the Gudi Padwa celebrations.
People were less enthusiastic to celebrate the festival, as they could not move out to greet their loved ones. However, the people wished their family members and loved ones on social media. And due to the limited availability of commodities, most people prepared only few dishes to celebrate the occasion.
The elaborate rituals on the occasion were reduced to simple ones at home. And the prabhat feri at Mapusa was cancelled due to the lockdown.
