<p>Holi celebrations always excite people across the country but things are different this year, thanks to the panic from the spread of the novel coronavirus.</p>.<p>At least 43 people across India have tested positive for COVID-19, which has claimed over 3,000 lives globally. And now, a large number of people are apparently afraid to join Holi celebrations.</p>.<p>The sale of Holi products has also fallen this year, according to multiple reports.</p>.<p>“Due to coronavirus, the market is a bit slow in Holi this year," said a vendor in Ludhiana, who was quoted in the <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/covide-19-outbreak-sales-of-holi-items-take-a-dip-as-coronovirus-fear-grips-customer-sentiments/videoshow/74506388.cms?from=mdr">Economic Times</a>. "Customers are not coming to buy water guns and colours. Nothing is being imported from China this time. We don’t have any Chinese item. Sales are very low."</p>.<p>The situation is similar in Bengaluru. College student Mihika Mittal is not sure if it's right to play Holi at this time. “Every year, I am excited about Holi," Mihika told <a href="https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2020/mar/07/coronavirus-takes-colour-off-holi-2113321.html">New Indian Express</a>. "But this time after hearing stories of coronavirus, I am sceptical about letting other people touch my face.”</p>.<p>In the Northeast, Guwahati vendors are also dealing with low sales. "Some people have come to buy only a few items. I have not ever seen this type of market. Many people asked whether these items come from China," a trader told <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/scared-to-celebrate-holi-due-to-coronavirus-people-of-guwahati-ghost-streets-vendors-1653959-2020-03-09">India Today</a>.</p>.<p>"Seventy-five per cent of items are yet to be sold and it has happened only because of coronavirus. Only a small section of people have come out to celebrate the festival," said another vendor.</p>.<p>The government has also urged people to avoid large gatherings as they might increase the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus. </p>
<p>Holi celebrations always excite people across the country but things are different this year, thanks to the panic from the spread of the novel coronavirus.</p>.<p>At least 43 people across India have tested positive for COVID-19, which has claimed over 3,000 lives globally. And now, a large number of people are apparently afraid to join Holi celebrations.</p>.<p>The sale of Holi products has also fallen this year, according to multiple reports.</p>.<p>“Due to coronavirus, the market is a bit slow in Holi this year," said a vendor in Ludhiana, who was quoted in the <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/covide-19-outbreak-sales-of-holi-items-take-a-dip-as-coronovirus-fear-grips-customer-sentiments/videoshow/74506388.cms?from=mdr">Economic Times</a>. "Customers are not coming to buy water guns and colours. Nothing is being imported from China this time. We don’t have any Chinese item. Sales are very low."</p>.<p>The situation is similar in Bengaluru. College student Mihika Mittal is not sure if it's right to play Holi at this time. “Every year, I am excited about Holi," Mihika told <a href="https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2020/mar/07/coronavirus-takes-colour-off-holi-2113321.html">New Indian Express</a>. "But this time after hearing stories of coronavirus, I am sceptical about letting other people touch my face.”</p>.<p>In the Northeast, Guwahati vendors are also dealing with low sales. "Some people have come to buy only a few items. I have not ever seen this type of market. Many people asked whether these items come from China," a trader told <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/scared-to-celebrate-holi-due-to-coronavirus-people-of-guwahati-ghost-streets-vendors-1653959-2020-03-09">India Today</a>.</p>.<p>"Seventy-five per cent of items are yet to be sold and it has happened only because of coronavirus. Only a small section of people have come out to celebrate the festival," said another vendor.</p>.<p>The government has also urged people to avoid large gatherings as they might increase the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus. </p>