Muted Diwali for many out of respect for Covid-affected
dubai — It’s a Diwali like never before for the entire world, and things are not too different in the UAE. Responding to the government’s call for cautious celebrations, residents toned down on the festivities, with a few choosing to not celebrate at all.
Medical frontliners Dr Rajesh Paraswani and his wife consciously steered clear of any celebrations. The doctor couple say what they’ve witnessed this year has “altered their perspective for a lifetime”.
“Both of us are frontline workers. My wife was posted in the ICU ward and I am a radiologist. Typically, we would have grand celebrations in our hospital premises. None of that happened this year. Even at home, we are not doing much except for the usual Laxmi (deity) puja. Our 13-year-old son understands why we are not celebrating,” he said.
People from non-medical backgrounds do not understand the gravity of the pandemic and feel occasional gatherings can seldom do harm, added Dr Rajesh. “We’ve seen patients suffering severely due to Covid-19, especially around April. Everything still feels sombre and fresh in our heads. Get-togethers are a complete nono as it means undoing the work of healthcare workers.”
Though not medics, Sanjoy Bose and his wife have also voluntarily decided to desist from lighting up the house or indulging in any celebrations. “I celebrate more than just Indian festivals as my wife is an Australian with Chinese heritage, but not this year. My mother-in-law is quite elderly and we do not wish to jeopar
We’ve seen patients suffering severely due to Covid-19. Everything still feels sombre and fresh in our heads. Get-togethers are a complete no-no as it means undoing the work of healthcare workers.” Dr Rajesh Paraswani, radiologist
dise her life by inviting people over. It’s not worth the risk.”
Bose added that his associates who had contracted the virus are still on the road to recovery with many continuing to feel fatigued despite being Covid-19-free.
For the Sativada family from Hyderabad, the usual Diwali meetings will not happen. “My husband lost his first cousin due to Covid-19 and we are just not in a celebratory mood. My 11-year-old son is aware and not pestering for any celebrations as well,” said Shilpa.
My mother-in-law is quite elderly and we do not wish to jeopardise her life by inviting people over. It’s not worth the risk.” Sanjoy Bose, Indian expat