Hemaben M Patel, president of the Shree Krishna Mandir Hindu temple in West Bromwich, added: “This year, the festival of Diwali will be celebrated very differently to how we would celebrate it normally.
Diwali takes place this weekend, and people who will be marking the festival of lights – also known as Bandi Chhor Divas and celebrated by Sikhs worldwide – are being urged to take extra care because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Like so many other events – religious or otherwise – this year, Diwali will be severely impacted by Covid-19.
The festival is celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus throughout India and elsewhere, and community leaders in Sandwell are asking people to make sure they enjoy Diwali safely to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Jatinder Singh, of the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick, said: “The message is simple, stay at home to stay safe and save lives.
“It’s obviously disappointing that after such a difficult year for so many people, we are not able to celebrate Diwali how we would normally, but there are other ways we can connect with our loved ones using technology including apps, video calls and sending messages.
“We all need to look after each other and prevent the spread of the virus. Diwali is the festival of lights, and hopefully with the development of a vaccine, there is some light at the end of the tunnel.”
Hemaben M Patel, president of the Shree Krishna Mandir Hindu temple in West Bromwich, added: “This year, the festival of Diwali will be celebrated very differently to how we would celebrate it normally.
“Instead of being together with your family and friends, we advise you all to observe the Government’s guidance and stay within your house without mixing with others.
We must all do our bit in keeping the virus under control, for everyone’s safety.
“I wish everyone a very happy and safe Diwali at home.”
People celebrating Diwali are reminded that under the current lockdown restrictions, big family get-togethers are not allowed because people from different households cannot mix indoors or in private gardens, unless they are in a support bubble together.
You can keep in touch with family and friends and celebrate Diwali using video apps and of course you can still decorate your home, and families who live together, or who are in a support bubble can enjoy a feast or sweet treats together.
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at www.sandwell.gov.uk/localrestrictions
Latest data shows there were 435.5 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Sandwell over the seven days to 8 November. This means around 1,430 people in Sandwell tested positive for the virus in the same seven day period.