India is the land of festivals. Probably the only one of its kind on the face of the earth.. where exist a myriad kaleidoscope of religions, castes, creeds, languages and people. And Gods. We are known as a country that may be lacking in many things, but has warmth, colour and vibrance. All of our lives are an occasion for celebration. The birth of a child, its naming-ceremony, first hair-shaving(mundan), ear-piercing, birthdays, first day at school, first day in college, first job, first tricycle, bicycle, motorbike/car, first house, engagement, marriage... even death... is a loud, noisy, show of sorts. No wonder Bollywood is such a glitzy affair! Reel life mimics real life, so to say!
We attach various fables, stories, reeti-rivaaz to the various festivals we celebrate.. as endorsed and enforced by the caretakers of religions across the land. Somewhere along the way, we seem to have had a collective memory-loss about the reason for celebrating any festival or occasion. National festivals, religious festivals and harvest festivals were actually a celebration of a fruitful and happy life. Where in the days of restricted communication/transportation facilities, these were occasions for mass movement of people to meet their families and friends. They paid homage to their local deities and went on to eat, drink and make merry. Unlike today, where the local deities have transformed into monstrous proportions and engulfed the very reason behind all celebrations. Constant association with fasting and penance along with complicated rituals and practices have sullied the very essense of the word "Festival". Festivities take a back-seat and Ritualism is the winner!
Its time to take stock of who we are and where we are going. And to remember- all directions ought to lead us to the end of the rainbow.. not get us lost amidst the debris of randomness.
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