MUMBAI: With Navratri just around the corner, devotees across the country are gearing up to welcome Maa Durga and the festive feel is already in the air. Navratri is one such festival that is celebrated with much vigour and passion in most parts of the country but this year is different. A surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country has made people and our television celebrities plan low-key festivities. Let’s find out:

Neelu Vaghela aka Pratibha Devi of Dangal TV’s Aye Mere Humsafar said, “Every year, I make sure to keep the ghat of Navratri and so this year also, I will follow the same for nine days. I will also light the akhand diya for nine days since it is considered to be auspicious. I am looking forward to inviting nine girls for food and will give them presents. All the rituals that I have been following for years, will continue to be followed. With this festive occasion, I am hoping to receive blessings from the Goddess Durga.”

Rishina Kandhari aka Imarti Kothari of Dangal TV’s Aye Mere Humsafarsaid, “Usually my mother looks after all the preparations of Navratri. But this year, due to the unfortunate crisis, we haven’t decided yet. It won’t be safe to call nine young girls’ (kanjaks) home for the rituals. However, I am hoping and praying that the situation normalizes soon, and we get to celebrate all our festivals with happiness and grandeur.”

Rati Pandey aka Maa Parvati of Dangal TV’s Devi Adi Parashakti said, “These nine days of Navratri are celebrated on a grand scale at my hometown. Usually I cannot stay hungry, but there is some divine power that gives me the strength to fast for these nine days. Within a year of starting these rituals, I shifted to Mumbai for acting. I believe, Durga Maa has played an important role in kickstarting my career. This year due to covid-19 the celebrations won’t be as big because everyone must take care of themselves first. One must keep in mind to stay hydrated, eat fruits, and maintain sufficient sugar intake to maintain energy levels. At times, due to the shoots I skip fasting. I am not sure if I would be able to fast, but I will do a puja at home this year too.”

We hope the blessings of Goddess Durga help one and all to overcome the pandemic.