Author: Vasudha Pansare
When I was a child, festivals were fun and great occasions. Festivities meant lots of sweets, wearing new clothes, going to temples, meeting aunts, uncles and cousins. During Diwali, it meant getting up early in the morning, bursting crackers, having an oil bath and having a sumptuous breakfast. At the Ganesh festival, the excitement of bringing home the idol was tremendous. Everyday there was a new feast for five days and for visarjan, there was a well in our compound.
When I went to college, festivals meant hanging out with friends, visiting each other’s houses, tasting each every delicacy, admiring each other’s clothes.
When I got married, festivals became my responsibility. I had to prepare sweets, clean the house, buy clothes for the family, invite friends and relatives and make sure that everyone has a great time.
Now I am old and I realise that festivals are not just making sweets and buying clothes and going to temples and entertaining guests.
The true festive spirit consists of thinking of those who are less fortunate and sharing with them. The true festive spirit is generosity and magnanimity and spreading the message of love and peace. It is thinking about the nation and working honestly for the country.
