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ShareMumbai: With the Ganesh Chaturthi and Ramzan underway, DNA asks Mumbaikars if relevance of festivals persists. Many feel that festivities in modern times have taken over from the true meaning of the festivals celebrated in India
The festive spirit helps to forgive and forget
I like celebrating Indian festivals a lot. Especially the Ganesh utsav and Holi are my favourites as I get to meet my all relatives and friends. These festivals give the feeling of all being one and the joy of togetherness. I don't think people have stopped understanding the relevance of festivals.
We still celebrate with the same enthusiasm and fervour. I am fond of the various delicacies that we get to eat during any festivals. With time, festivals have been modified but the essence and interest is still with all festivals. The best part is that even if we have any ill feeling or grudge towards anyone or any misunderstanding, the festive spirit makes us forget and forgive, and just celebrate with joy and spread cheer. So festivals actually refresh our relationships too.
--Sujoy Bhonsle, brand associate
In cities, focus is on material aspect
There is no doubt that today people don't know the significance of many festivals, at least to some extent. There are many reasons behind it but the most prominent one is the fact that people living in the cities are too busy to have time to know in-depth meaning of festivals. Also, they focus more on material aspects of festivals, whereas in villages people still maintain the spirit of the festivals.
Parents need to explain the significance of all the festivals to the GenX. Textbook education provides knowledge, and not the real meaning of festivals. My favourite festival is Mount Mary's festival; also, it sort of kickstarts all the other celebrations right up to Christmas. Festivals are more than holidays, as they give one an opportunity to meet with family and friends.
--Lydia Davidson, consultant
Celebrations create a sense of oneness
I look forward to celebrating festivals as they give me a break from my hectic studies and also gives a chance to meet my family. It will be quite dreadful and boring if we don't celebrate festivals. The huge variety of special food items that are an integral part of festivals, and the preparations of this brings people together which enlivens the atmosphere.
Moreover, festivals have some social motive too -- it gives us an opportunity to remove evil thoughts from our minds. It brings a sense of oneness among people. Festivals are an opportunity for artists to showcase their talent. If we look closely, festivals also help the economy to overcome recession as the whole atmosphere makes it quite conducive to splurge and shop.
--Indu Mathy, student
Children learn from mythological shows
Festival time is just a time for people to take break from work and enjoy with family and friends. Many people don't even know the reason behind festivals these days. But I think TV channels have started serials like Ramayan, Krishna, Hanuman, and many more which will help to educate the youth today.
They will explain the importance of different festivals to youth and kids who have lost touch with our history, and are more inclined towards videogames and western culture. Diwali is my favourite festival; the whole family gets together. I do the main puja; my wife takes care of food and gifts. Children decorate the house with lights and rangoli. I am aware of the rituals but we do not do it elaborately like our forefathers; it's a small affair these days.
--Chandan Dugar, businessman
Important to know the meaning behind festivals
I believe a lot of good comes of celebrating any festival as it enhances peace and harmony among communities. But one needs to understand the real meaning of festivals as they are not just celebrations but have deeper meaning.
Firstly, any kind of celebration gives an opportunity to bond with neighbours, relatives and friends. Secondly, it give an opportunity for rejuvenation for people who lead a fast-paced life. Thirdly, rituals involved in a festival, like fasting purify us physically. Moreover, fasting has significance, so far as it teaches us to control our desires so that each one of us could lead a content and happy life. At the same time, I strongly feel that we should avoid bursting crackers which increasesnoise and air pollution in our city.
--Madeeha Mujawar, student
Fasting for spiritual and health benefits
The holy month of Ramzan is auspicious to Muslims all over the world. It is celebrated the day after the crescent for the 10th lunar month of the Islamic calendar is sighted. The Muslims are ordained to observe fast for 30 days and end it after seeing the new moon the next month.
It is believed that the holy Quran came into existence during this month. Prophet Mohammad, who compiled this, was chosen by God to be His messenger. His utterances were jotted down by disciples and compiled in the form of the holy Quran.
The month, during which the gates of mercy are wide open, the gates of hell are shut and the shayateen (devils) are chained up is the holy month Ramzan holding special significance for the global Muslim community.
