Teej celebrations get a virtual makeover

Minna Zutshi

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 25

With the fear of Covid-19 pandemic looming large, festivals are getting a ‘virtual makeover’. Educational institutions are encouraging the online celebrations of festivals that hitherto were celebrated onstage in schools.

Academicians observe that while living remotely in the midst of the pandemic it is ‘the online’ that is fostering the cultural and social connectivity.

In the pre-pandemic years, Teej was celebrated with fervour and gusto in educational institutions. Teej, the festival that celebrates monsoon, now has an invigorating online presence. Many schools in Ludhiana and even neighbouring districts like Fatehgarh Sahib celebrated the festival as online Teej instead of the onstage fest.

Various schools celebrating Teej online organised numerous activities to mark the traditional festival of Punjab. The idea was not only to capture the essence of the lovable festival, but also to encourage and bring out the creative and fulfilling instincts of young students, especially in the stifling atmosphere engendered by Covid-19.

Many students made short videos of folk dances and songs associated with Teej, popularly called ‘Teeyan’ in Punjabi. Students could be seen dressed up in traditional costumes. The eye-catching colours of their costumes created a festive mood, wafting the fragrance of happiness and positivity all around even in the unenviable situation of the pandemic.

The online celebrations have a different flavour to it. Young students are more spontaneous and improvising without neglecting or bypassing the traditional touches of the festival.

Anu Verma, Principal, DAV Police School, said celebration of such festivals helped students stay connected with their roots and culture.