Coronavirus has prompted us to go into a phase of quarantine and social distancing. My son's High School is closed and I am instructed to work from home for the unforeseen future. Many Restaurants aren't letting customers in, only allowing them to order online or take "to go" meals at drive through pickups.
There is nothing novel regarding the concept of quarantine in order to stay away from virus and convalesce. A la humans, our Lord Jagannath has a human aspect when he goes on a self imposed quarantine before the famous Rath Jatra (Chariot Festival) in the month of June - July. Like a normal human being he eats, takes a shower on SNANA PURNIMA (the full moon day for bath) and falls sick. But unlike humans, the Lord doesn't infect anyone except with infectious BHAKTI (Devotion).
Following this, He suffers from fever for several days until the day of RATHA JATRA when he travels to his MAUSI's (sister of his mom) house a few miles away sitting on a chariot named NANDIGHOSA. His brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra also travel with him in separate chariots.
Coinciding with handful of days prior to the arrival of monsoon in Odisha, this time is accompanied by stifling heat and humidity - perfect concoctions for a viral bug bite. This particular phase is locally called as ANASARA GULUGULI (muggy) days. The almost static air, pregnant with water vapor and barely moving a leaf on the trees becomes unbearable. It feels like a melting man with hardly any relief on sight. The local populace take solace from a free Sauna for a few days, praying for early advance of monsoon.
Now we are doing exactly the same - hibernating, socially distancing and staying quarantined, trying to stay safe from the Coronavirus. Only difference, CHAKAA AKHI SABU DEKHUCHI (The Round Eyed Lord, as Sri Jagannath is referred to is omniscient and foresees everything). But we, mere humans have no idea what's in store for future.
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