Covid-19 lockdown and Ertugrul
By: Mohammed Shafi Ayaaz
How much the lockdown is boring almost the entire world has experienced it by now. Not to make it boring experts made/ issued so many advisories which included reading of books, writing novels/poetry, organizing wardrobes, watching TV, listening Radio, doing indoor exercises, talking with family members, cooking and so many productive things. In India, the Government issued orders for telecasting two tele-srials serials, Ramayana and Mahabharata to entertain the people inside their homes for passing of time.
The story of Kashmir is somewhat different in this regard. The people here are accustomed to these lockdowns. Despite months of lockdown fatigue and distrust toward authorities for imposing harsh measures back in August, Kashmiris largely accepted the new lockdown of 24th of March in the hope that it will prevent a devastating spread of the disease. People choose to stay home.
During last three decades there have been a number of lockdown in the Kashmir. How the people of Kashmir used to live during these lockdowns it is a different story of miseries.
But in Kashmir during present lockdown phase second which started from March 24th (first phase was from 5th. August last year when curfew and restrictions were as imposed for administrative and political reasons) people have found a new and somewhat different way of passing their time. It is entertaining and informative. Almost every family is enjoying it. Even housewives complete their routine job quickly for this purpose. Young, old, men, women and children all have found it great time pass at least for two to three hours per day. It has become a household name now.
Yes, it is Turkish historical fiction and adventure television series Ertugrul, directed by Mehmet Bozdağ that has helped Kashmiris to fight the boredom and frustration of lockdown and to stay indoors to save themselves and their loved ones from the spread of Covid-19.
