Tags:
Journalism of Courage
What is it about festivals? They come with more regularity and predictability than any of nature8217;s other boons and yet are celebrated as though they were a once in a lifetime happening? It has to do with continuity, nostalgia, communal and societal bonding, apart from the sense of inching that much closer to one8217;s Maker!
September, October and November in India comprise the longest stretch of festive season. We go from Onam to Ganesh Chaturthi and by the time we are done with the nine nights of Navaratri we just about have time to gear up for the biggest pan-Indian delight, Diwali. Each region has its own story about why we celebrate Diwali. Whether we are welcoming Rama8217;s return to Ayodhya after a 14 year exile, or lauding Krishna on the destruction of the demon Narakasura, Kali8217;s triumph over evil forces or empathising with Bali 8212; the celebration, ultimately, is of light over dark or good over evil.
I cannot conclude this without a little observation I made in Mumbai a few days ago. My Tamil Brahmin friend has a Muslim driver who has been a part of the household the past few decades. With Ramzan coinciding with Navaratri, the driver would report to work after his morning prayers. He would head for the puja corner and prostrate before the deities and then take his orders for the day. After 6 pm each evening, my friend would prepare a little iftaar for him along with a cup of steaming tea. The driver, incidentally named Ramzan, would say his prayers, break his fast, then go home!
This is real celebration. You respect the larger God and suddenly there is so much more to exult in!
