GEORGE TOWN – S. Chandrasekaran and his family here are celebrating Deepavali in a different manner, focusing on the festival’s “good over evil” symbolism as Penang remains under the conditional movement control order (CMCO).
The family will mostly stay at home as relatives and friends have been told of their no-visiting practice.
While it may mean less muruku and other traditional delicacies, the celebration will go on for Chandrasekaran, who said it is important to pray harder for Covid-19 to be “vanquished”.
Deepavali is not about money, new clothes, food or decorations, he said, but the victory over evil and light after darkness.
The 65-year-old told The Vibes that he will also pray for the fast delivery of a coronavirus vaccine.
He said his family are seeking spiritual guidance this Deepavali.
People must be disciplined as the virus is still spreading, he said, urging Hindus to spend the day with their immediate family members only.
Chandrasekaran lives with his wife K. Kalyani, 62, and children C. Baskaran, 37; C. Nalini, 35; C. Mythili, 31; C. Previin, 22; daughter-in-law G. Valliamal, 38; and, sister-in-law K. Logeswari, 56.
“I remember fondly that we would visit relatives and friends, as well as watch movies at the cinema.
“However, my family and I have accepted the new normal.”
He said the family will have a moderate celebration this time around as the pandemic is predicted to last another year.
Kalyani said she is disappointed at being unable to visit her siblings who live outside the district.
“I have made traditional cookies, such as muruku and athirasam, for my family.”
Muted atmosphere in Little India
Little India traders will not be able to hit record sales due to the imposition of the CMCO.
The majority of them sell traditional sweets, sari, jewellery, spices and prayer items, all of which are usually snapped up in the week before Deepavali.
Some traders expect losses of between 50% and 60% in business volume since Covid-19 struck Penang in March.
Little India visitors are not just locals, with many coming from Kedah, Perak and Perlis.
Spice importer Mohamed Meera Sahib said the area no longer has a festive atmosphere as many are staying home past 9pm.
Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry president Datuk N. Gobalakrishan said Indian traders throughout the country are affected by the CMCO.
“People are financially hit during the pandemic. So, they are careful with their spending.” – The Vibes, November 14, 2020
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