Image Courtesy:punjabnewsexpress.com
As Covid-19 cases continue to rise in India, Lucknow mask sellers have observed a recent rise in demand for masks with “Jai Shree Ram” printed on them, reported the Navbharat Times on April 16, 2021.
States like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have reported an increasing number of coronavirus cases recently. Anxious for a solution, people seem to be seeking divine intervention, hoping masks with “Jai Shree Ram” printed on them might protect them better than regular masks. Local buyers told NBT that they hope the mask will cure the disease.
On Friday, the infection broke all records recording 27,426 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours in Uttar Pradesh. Of these, as many as 6,598 cases have been found in Lucknow, while 1,758 cases were found in Prayagraj. Varanasi recorded 2,344 cases and 1,403 cases were discovered in Kanpur.
Wholesale mask seller Ramesh Chandra Gupta from Aminabad was quoted by local media as saying that during the second wave of the pandemic, more people have asked for such masks. Gupta had to place a second order following speedy sale of the product. These masks are also used for panchayat elections wherein candidates print their photos on the mask or buy such masks for rallies and leaders. Gupta said he also received requests for the Jai Shree Ram mask from Pratapgarh Rae Bareli. He said that the huge demand has compelled artisans to pull all-nighters to complete the order in time.
Ashok Singh, operator of the Varanasi Corona Mall told NBT that masks have become a powerful medium to fight the Coronavirus. However, he said that such devotional masks have always been on demand. Just that this time, people are ordering the “Jai Shree Ram” mask.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath remains in isolation after he was diagnosed as Covid positive.
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