The city already wears a festive look, displaying the exquisitely decorated threads in a a variety of beautifully crafted designs.
However, the festival is just one of the many that reflect the celebratory culture of India with its myriad traditions, rich art, craft and music.
Who can forget those memorable lines from Bharat ki Khoj (The Discovery of India) by and large encompass the profound and timeless wisdom of India. “Srishti ke pehle Satya nahin tha..asathya bhi nahi, antariksh bhi nahi, akaash bhi nahi tha. Chupa tha kya, kahaan, kisne dhaka tha..”
A 5000 year civilisation from Vedic times to the modern-day Independence struggle, India, as a country is a challenge to describe.
Equally captivating are the multitude of festivals in India, each celebrated with great zest and fervour - from coming of the spring or harvest season to the commemoration of something of religious or historical significance, more often than not, the festivals have their own unique legends.
According to Madhumita Sarma, a student, “I feel ours is a truly celebratory culture. It plays a major role in keeping us together.”
Vardhini Madhav, a sales executive agrees, “It is subtle, you know. It helps the younger generation not losing touch with the ethos of the country.”
Festivals and fairs have other and perhaps more pertinent roles to play, believes Chellam Parthasarthy, a chartered accountant. “These festivals helps sustain the livelihoods of several artisans,” he says, adding, “from preparation of dolls, idols and tableaux to drummers and singers, a whole economy is built around it.”
Small vendors selling utilities are a standard in almost all the festivals. Besides giving boost to several allied activities and craftsmanship, they also serve as a reminder of the complex social fabric of India which has and continues to spawn several books and commentaries and yet remains to be elusive.
gI would not like to romanticise India. The idea that they (festivals) instil a historical consciousness maybe a bit far-fetched. However, it might have some resonance among the Indian diaspora,” says Bhargavi Ramani, a software engineer.
Vijayakrishna Rao, a student disagrees. “As Indians, we are comfortable with multiple identities and cultural frameworks, it is a given, that way,” he says, adding, “They say, American movies and fast-food chains would result in a homogenized world. Give me a break. The argument of the cultural hegemony of the west is oversimplified and naïve.”
The dynamism of the Indian culture (whatever that means) lies in the fact that it integrates into itself several elements retaining its original character reflecting its sheer resilience and intrinsic strength.
