Matthew studies in London, but comes home to celebrate Christmas with his parents. In foreign land, without his family, he doesn’t find any spark in all the festivities around him.
Rajiv forgot his old resentments and embraced his younger brother, when his sibling touched his feet on Diwali.
Whilst Shiraz returned from Dubai after three years, Shaista hugged her son on Eid, and fed him sevaiyan with her own hands.
What do you think we are talking about? Yes, Festivals!! The heart and soul of our living existence. A beautiful reminder of our historical traditions, and an amazing way to stay in touch with our roots.
“The greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals.”
Siddharth Katragadda
This thoughtful quote almost summarizes the rich cultural heritage of our traditions and festivals. India being a land of humongous, 6 million religions, we have many reasons for merrymaking. There are more than 36 festivals that are celebrated in our country, spread across various religious faiths and beliefs. Our calendars are full of dates in red.
Festivals have become an integral part of our lives and we possibly can’t live without them. They are extremely important for many reasons. Let’s take a sneak peek into their vitality.
Festive days bring friends and families closer. They are intended to rejoice special times and share feelings with our near and dear ones. People forget their differences and grudges, making a fresh start after celebrating a festival together. Spirits are high, and the attitude of forgive and forget is in the air.
The upcoming generation gets an insight into the background of our culture and tradition, thereby staying connected to it. They come to know about the nuances of the history behind every Utsav.
Festivals bring a lot of joy, hope and happiness, strengthening the sense of fraternity in the common man.
In India, we have national, religious and seasonal festivals. Each one has a flavour and importance of its own. Moreover, celebrations in our country are very colourful and enthusiastic. It’s filled with an immense amount of music, dance, exchanging gifts and delicious delicacies. Not only that, some festivals go on for days together. People are in a festive mood, way before the actual day, eagerly preparing and getting ready to enjoy the jamboree when it comes.
The best part is that rejoicing is not money bound. In every festival, people of all religions find a way to enjoy and have a gala time. In fact, nowadays, we find folks of different beliefs, unitedly celebrating festivals of other faiths with equal zeal and fervour. This aspect plays a major role in communal harmony. It also sets a wonderful example for our children.
Moreover, festivals help us to cut through the mundane routine of daily hardships. They rejuvenate, motivating us to stay focused on our aims in life.
Be it related to any religion, remember its salient feature; all faiths are meant to trigger peace, happiness and harmony. Therefore, respect each one, including the rituals attached to them.
रूठने और रोने की वजह बहुत मिलेंगी यारों,
ज़िन्दगी के उत्सव में इतनी खुशियां बिखेरो,
खुद भी हँसो और मुस्कुराहटें बाटते चलो।।
Shamim Merchant
