Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, April 11: In normal times, preparations for the celebration of Hindu New Year commence with the advent of the month of Chaitra. But since 2020, all festivities and processions had to be cancelled in view of the disconcerting spread of coronavirus infection.
This year too, the Hindu Utsav Samiti had organized prayers near the MGM College on Dimna Road on April 2 but on that very day there was an announcement that no procession or festivities would be allowed due to the second COVID wave that has gripped Jamshedpur. However, the undeterred Samiti members resolved that they would paint the entire city saffron and the result has been that saffron coloured festoons are filling up the city skyline. Major roundabouts, crossroads, bridge rails and many other busy spots are witness to gaily swaying saffron festoons trying to make the summer breeze less uncomfortable with the spirit of the Hindu New Year surely and steadily catching on among people with otherwise sagging spirits obviously due to the COVID curse and its corollary effects. This year April 13 is the Chaitra Shukl Pratipada and Hindu New Year will be celebrated on that auspicious day. Lord Mahavir’s flags will adorn rooftops of houses and prayers will be conducted in homes and temples. Festoons are still coming up at other city points. The whole township is taking on the saffron colour.
In 2019, various Hindu organizations had taken out New Year Processions from Kadma, Burmamines and Agrico Maidan and the Hindu Utsav Samiti too had planned to repeat their procession from MGM College Ground to Ambagan Maidan but had to cancel the schedule because of government clampdown to check the spread of coronavirus.
But nothing can contain the gaiety of spirit. Hindus will celebrate the advent of the New Year at home with prayers to divinity for a safer, healthier and peaceful world under a saffron sky.
