Bracing for celebration of New Year
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: December 31, 2022 -

TILL few months back it's obvious that many would have perceived that celebrations on the eve of New Year and the New Year itself would yet again be low key affairs considering the persistent fear and threat of possible surge in Covid-19 cases as had been experienced across the world for almost two years.

Amid restrictions imposed by the government to contain spread of the infectious disease, the two previous celebrations were generally confined to feasting and merriment at homes for the ordinary citizens whereas for the wealthier class of society hotels and farmhouses were the destinations.

While possible spread of another virulent wave of the pandemic can't be taken lightly in view of disturbing number of cases reported in some countries, in Manipur's context it could be safely stated that the celebrations would be bombastic even if a handful of positive cases crop up in the run up to the New Year.

It's too soon to definitively say whether the latest Covid sub-variant is less of a threat to life than its evolutionary cousins, but there is no doubt that the rate of infection in the country and the state is most sluggish, which gives reason for new hope.

Indeed, the belief that tomorrow can and must be better than yesterday is the philosophy that overcomes our most daunting challenges and what moves society forward.

If the pandemic has sent a message or has delivered a warning, it is that the people need to step out, and reach out to one another again, in new and old life-affirming ways.

Locking themselves in wouldn't be the wisest choice in the New Year for those who want to leave behind the fear and the debilitating loneliness of the year of the pandemic.

Masked and socially distanced we may need to be for a while—but that shouldn't curb our freedom for we will always need to feel the sun and the wind on our faces.

Without an iota of doubt, various other challenges are imminent in 2023 but everybody would agree that disappointments and setbacks are a part of life when the people are eager to see progress.

Like in all parts of the world, Manipuris would be definitely bidding adieu to the old year and embracing the new one with full enthusiasm, especially as there is neither fear for the contagion nor have the government authorities announced restrictions on revelry events other than cautioning the picnickers against carrying licenced firearms at picnic spots, rash driving and driving in inebriated condition.

Nevertheless, like in the past celebrations and taking into account of the fact that Manipuri youngsters generally celebrate recklessly, occurrences of unwanted incidents cannot be ruled out.

There are different styles of celebration to welcome the New Year, but in Manipur it is the combination of almost all the continents.

For instance, there has been a recent trend of licence arms holders firing in the air amid bursting of firecrackers and others soaking in alcoholic drinkstill midnight.

Thus, one would only hope that celebration of the New Year's eve and the New Year would be free from any serious incidents.