With the coronavirus pandemic spreading like forest fire, countries across the world have closed their borders. This has also led to shutting off religious sites. However, thanks to technology, the world is coping. Last week Pope Francis live-streamed a Mass from St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Now, Muslims keen to visit Makkah this year can do so without leaving their homes! All you need to do is download the virtual reality app called Experience Makkah.
What’s It?
This year, you can visit Makkah without boarding a plane. A virtual reality app called Experience Makkah is making this possible, thank to technology. A new version of the app will release on 23 April, which is expected to be the first day of Ramadan this year. The app uses 3D modeling, providing an immersive experience to all users. Users can take a stroll around the religion site, hear the call to prayer, stand next to the sacred Kaaba and interact with other virtual pilgrims.
This year, with social distancing and self-isolation rules in place, this app will help people to not miss out on the religious festivities.
What Else?
Meanwhile, if you need a digital detox, this is something you’ll love! The Volunteer Park Conservatory in Seattle is live-streaming plants to help you have a little digital escape. Isn’t that a great way to unwind? In an Instagram post, the Volunteer Park Conservatory said that it is very important for people to connect to Nature, especially in a critical time like this. Given that no-one would be able to visit the conservatory for now, Volunteer Park has made arrangements for live streaming in order to provide people a sense of calm and well-being during the uncertain times. The scheduled for the streaming depends on the gardeners maintenance, but will happen at 2:00 pm from Monday- Sunday.
The Volunteer Park also boasts a Victorian glasshouse which it calls a ‘true jewel’ in the crown of Seattle Parks. The glasshouse is inspired by London’s Crystal Palace and was built in 1912. The whole glasshouse is surrounded by lush lawns, but the true gem is preserved inside. The greenhouse in the glass house showcases different tropical and subtropical plant life.
According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, spending time amidst Nature can increase emotions.