Every year, the festival of colour, Holi is celebrated with
great excitement, colour and pichkaris. However, this year, with the
coronavirus scare, the celebrations will be slightly altered. The government
had urged people to avoid large gatherings as that might increase the risk of
coming in contact with the virus. Despite this, the spirit of the festival
remains vibrant in Goa
Holi is an
amazing festival that brings families and friends together across the country. With colours filling the
air and smiles all around, this year might see a lot of masks to avoid catching
the deadly coronavirus. However, there is always an excuse to party in Goa and
taking that cue, there are many parties that will continue to take place,
albeit in varied ways.
Being extra cautious, Grand Hyatt Goa has cancelled its Holi
Party and will now be hosting a Grand Holi Brunch. Diana Braganza, Marketing
Communications Manager, at the Grand Hyatt Goa, says, “We have cancelled the
annual Holi Party which we’ve been organising for five years. We decided that
we have to take precautions due to the Coronavirus. Instead of the party, we
have decided to have a grand brunch.”
Saurabh Khanna,
Director, Operations, at the Park Hotel, Calangute will be celebrating Holi
with more emphasis on health this year. “We will have a thermometer check for every
guest before people start walking into the area. Hand sanitisers will be
provided at the venue. We have been celebrating the festival every year with
organic colours and the celebrations will not change. The only difference will
be that instead of uncooked food, we will be serving hot food and checking
guests before they enter,” says Khanna.
Zambulim Gulal Shigmo
will be organised on March 17, 2020 at Zambaulim from 3pm onwards by
Mathagramast Hindu Sabha. Bhai Naik, President of Mathagramast Hindu Sabha,
explains, “There will be absolutely no changes for the festival as Gulal is
without chemicals and I don’t think Gulal can make anyone sick. This is a fear
put in the minds of people as markets are down and people can’t organise
commercial parties. This is a religious event and everybody will play Holi as
it has been done over the years. We have faith in Lord Damodar as these are
religious rituals.”
Holi
will continue to be celebrated over the week as the festival of colour brings
each village of Goa to life with the beats of the dhol and tashe. But it is no
secret that the Corona Virus scare will make people step back and take
additional precautions and hope and pray for protection from the gods.
