October 31, 2020, No one was surprised to hear that Diwali 2020 would not be celebrated this year. The government didn't cancel it; they just announced that any group of more than three would be arrested and that only selected shops and supermarkets would be open. No firecracker shops. Till the end of November.

There were other reasons, not mentioned. The majority of the country, especially its poorest, had not been earning for months. Many had returned to their home villages, many had died of COVID-19 while making the long journey. Even the country's richest people were poorer, ravaged by infection and collapsing markets.