The Reality of Hindu Tamils’ lifestyle and the less spread of Covid 19 in Northern province of Sri Lanka

Now that the coronavirus crisis has clawed its way into almost every continent. The spread of the corona virus called Covid 19 has made an immense hit on the planet earth locking and separating the toddlers and the aged in their own houses and distancing them socially. The parents do not hug their children. People do not shake hands. The functions, parties, weddings and funerals are conducted with a few close members. People are stuck in the places where they stayed to study and work. Curfew and lockdowns make people imprisoned in their own houses. People do not peep through the windows to greet even their neighbors. The transport services are stopped. The newspapers and milk are not delivered. Corona patient is kept in the hospital alone and when the patient dies the body is buried without the beloved ones. The one who dies of Covid 19 are dumped with other bodies and no funeral rites are performed for even the rich. Cops are deployed to ensure people do not step out unnecessarily, every cough or sneeze draws harsh glares, and the prospect of stepping out to get even necessities comes saddled with dire consequences. Fears of running out of food and necessities also weigh on people. The poor and the rich, the learned and the laymen all follow the guidelines of Covid 19 with stress, strain and depression. This is the present scenario of the year 2020.

The Tamils of Sri Lanka possess unique culture and lifestyle. Especially the Hindu Tamils in Sri Lanka conduct festivals for all the deities which take place from January to December every year. The almanac contains all the details of auspicious days, New year, guru poojas, Thai Pongal, Deepavali, Navaratri etc. They fast and eat vegetarian foods during those days and usually they consider Tuesdays and Fridays as holy days in a week and they avoid being a non-vegetarian during those days. Each family cleans the entire home and their yard at least twice in a month due to these special days and sprinkle turmeric water and make a God Ganesh idol with cow dung and also spread the cow dung in their yard or Thinnai. They wear holy ash which is made from the burnt cow dung on their forehead and some wear in their entire body every morning and evening. Science proved that it will help the people from radiation and also maintain the human hydration. The water mixed with Thulasi in copper vessel used as holy water called Theertham at temples which usually prevent us from cold and from other ailments. They keep a bucket of water to wash their feet when they enter their home. They wash cloths and take bath when they go to see sick people and funerals. They do not drink or eat in such places. One can elaborate such healthy routine of Hindu Tamils in Sri Lanka especially in Jaffna Peninsula where one can observe how people strictly follow the ancient way of life.

During this pandemic period people have unfathomable mental health implications whereas the Hindu Tamils have no need to change their lifestyle as they already have a long commendable healthy and spiritual lifestyle. The Hindu Tamils do not generally shake hands and hug others where they meet others, they keep their palms together and with a smile they express their welcome and greetings. In Jaffna the houses are built in a hygienic way. The wells and the toilets are built in a good distance to maintain the purity of the water. The plants such as neem, Thulasi, banana and other herbs are in almost everyone’s compound.

Lockdowns and quarantines have become the norm in most affected places, grinding life to a standstill. A deafening silence pervades in-between tourist with its jarring dearth of life. Those with pre-existing depression and anxiety are at a greater risk of it becoming worse during this time. There are also signs of worsening depression such as suicidal thoughts which should be taken seriously. The Hindu Tamils worship god at home where they have a shrine room. The families generally sit together and sing devotional songs chant mantras and even do yagnas in a small scale.as the lifestyle of a Hindu is very calm and as they are god fearing the family members participate in the socio, religious and cultural activities. Therefore, the scarcely get depressed even when they are is lockdown or curfew declared for many days and months. By following such healthy, cultural activities with some good mental practices and make it as a routine in life will supress the fast and vast spreading of such viruses.

People should accept the fact this is the right time to think deeply and reflect about the priorities in their life and their lifestyle. Majority of the people now spend time in looking after themselves as well as their families. They are happy to spend more time with their loved ones. Every individual can thus make use of this time to develop in some way – learn a new skill, learn a new language, get involved in physical activities, such as walking, jogging, doing physical and yoga exercises.

People now follow various ways to get rid of depression during this pandemic. Those who are not engaged in any activities are depressed and undergoing stress and strain. Many people now spend their time meaningfully by reading, drawing, learn music and play musical instruments or get engaged in writing the book they have always wanted to write. Others are engaged in being engaged in hobbies, making handy crafts, reading, films and home improvements. By exchanging their views with family members would one can get clarity in thinking and help in building a better strategy. Another strategy is maintaining routine activities by having a daily plan. While working from home, it is important for the family members to build a productive routine, to engage in activities like singing, doing meditation, spending time with their pets, playing indoor games, staying calm etc.,

The lockdown has wiped out almost all our negligence of ourselves as well as our families. Even though people have been affected financially, they have now experimented to live economically. The globe now follows the digital technology. As a result, working, learning and communicating and conducting conferences are conducted through online. Also having access to news and social media to get updates and information regarding the current situation and awareness activities through online has become a routine activity.

The coronavirus crisis has changed the world completely in the last few months. While a negative psychological effect is unsurprising during the period of quarantine, the globe is shocked to note that the Hindu Tamils in the Jaffna peninsula, Sri Lanka are able to survive by continuing in practising their traditional healthy lifestyle during this quarantine period. The globe has now shown interest in the lifestyle of Hindu Tamils and their use of healthy food habits and the healthy and spiritual practices. Let us appreciate our ancestors who have shown lived and led an exemplary life for the benefit not only for themselves but for the others also.

Bavvatharani R

Nallur

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