A tale of two festivals

THE SPECTATOR

I choose to believe that it is no coincidence that Diwali and Eid have followed so closely on each other’s heels.

At a time when communalism haunts the subcontinent like a dark cloud — what could be better — or more symbolic?

During this week it is not uncommon to have people wishing you a happy Diwali and Eid Mubarak in the same breath — regardless of what religion you belong to.

And the fact that people from both communities are eating traditional sweets and shopping for gifts and wearing new clothes is such a welcome sight.

It might be a trivial thing for some, but it is still heart-warming that pre-Diwali one had the exquisite rendering of Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi’s play on Kaifi and Shaukat Azmi and during Diwali there were two new Bollywood releases for audiences, both starring hugely popular Khans.

Cricket matches are being played that involve members not only of Muslims and Hindus but Indians and Pakistanis as well.

And soon Aishwariya Rai will be watched essaying the role of the beautiful and tragic courtesan Umrao Jaan.

Of course, in corporate Mumbai offices, the Hindu-Muslim assimilation is complete. Nothing comes close to the sophistication and savoir faire of Mumbai’s office culture.

Here, nothing else matters but the work at hand and you are known and respected for the work you do and the value it brings.

Am I being too idealistic? Painting too rosy a picture of Hindu-Muslim bhai-bhai? Looking at the city through gulab- tinted glasses?

I would like to believe not. I see the point that Muslim friends of mine have been making about not succumbing to a victim–mentality. This past week I have sensed a genuine festivity in the air — no doubt fuelled by the economic boom — that has swept aside communal differences.

In Mumbai, the mall, the multiplex and the BPO centre are the new temples and mosques — and thank god for that!

So, of course, festivals are celebrated — but mercifully—the communal spin has vanished.

So, Eid Mubarak to all of you readers — and oh yes, Happy New Year too! Have some ladoos with your firni!

s_malavika@dnaindia.net