By Olivia Miwil - November 14, 2020 @ 12:34pm
KOTA KINABALU: Eventhough the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) made it a home-alone Deepavali, Dr Ravi Mandalam believes this is the best given the Covid-19 situation in Sabah.
The 66-year-old radiologist said as he is working at a private hospital, it is best not to be around other people, even friends during festivities.
"Although we take necessary precautions at the hospital when dealing with patients, we never know whether they are infected until their Covid-19 results come out later.
"Almost every year, I would go to the temple at Bukit Padang for prayers and the celebration. But I will skip today," said Dr Ravi who came to Sabah from India in 1994.
His wife passed away 15 years ago but Dr Ravi said he would be in touch with his children who are now staying in Australia.
A check at Sri Pasupathinanth Temple here saw that the committee allowed devotees to pray by abiding to the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the National Security Council (NSC).
Its vice president Datuk Dr K Mathavan said the temple has its own WhatsApp group chat for the congregants to book their slots between 7am until noon.
"Each batch of less than 30 people will be allowed about 30 to 45 minutes for prayers.
"After that, they will be given sweets and the place will be sanitised after that (hourly)," he said, adding the celebration this year was quiet as compared to before.
Usually, on Deepavali, the committee would host an open house for all walks of life around the area to feast on Indian delicacies.
Meanwhile, in Lahad Datu, Oral and Maxillo-facial surgeon Dr Rubinderan Muthusamy, 35, from Selangor said he had initially made plans to return to his hometown for Deepavali, however it was not meant to be.
Despite being specialised in dentistry services, he is also tasked with looking after Covid-19 patients at the district hospital.
"I am on duty today despite it being Deepavali. However, I do have Indian friends here, mostly doctors, working together.
"There is nothing much to celebrate here, but we did have a simple dinner last night."
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