Mumbai: Shortages and curfews dampen new year harvest festivities

MUMBAI: Like Gudi Padwa a fortnight ago, the second round of harvest and Hindu new year festivals this week also sees communities confined indoors owing to the coronavirus lockdown. Monday was Baisakhi while Vishu, Poila Boishakh and Puthandu Tuesday will remain subdued owing to the closure of temples, non-availability of flowers, fruits and puja items, and the ban on small and large gatherings.
For the first time in 10 years, the Punjabi Cultural Heritage Board, a private organisation known for its celebrity Baisakhi event, eschewed festivities. President Charanjit Singh Sapra said the customary awards ceremony was suspended too.
Bengal Club, Shivaji Park, falls under G North ward where the incidence of coronavirus positive cases is high. "We will not host any Poila Boishakh gathering. The aarti and bhog offerings in the Kalimata temple situated in our premises will also be carried out in a subdued manner," said spokesperson Mitali Choudhury.
Another leading Bengali organisation, Durgabari Samiti at Tejpal Hall, Grant Road, will make a donation for Covid-19 relief instead of hosting a Poila Boishakh celebration, said spokesperson Priyanka Basu.
Shriraj Nair, president of the Borivli Malayali Samajam said, "Normally on Vishu day, we visit the temple early in the morning but this time after seeing Vishukani at home we will stay indoors. This year even the konnapoova yellow flowers are not available which are such an important part of Vishu celebrations. Even seasonal vegetables, or banana leaves on which the traditional Sadya (feast) is served, are not available." Matunga resident KA Viswanathan said important vegetables like podwal, jackfruit and Kerala banana were absent as well.