Festival is the tune
that man sings when he is off his routine duty. Indeed, sweet is the pleasure
after pain, that is hard work that man is obliged to do for his living. Even
God Almighty, according to the Bible, took rest on the Sabbath after finishing
creation. And the best way to take rest for recuperation is to fill the hours
with recreation or collective entertainment. In this way festivals came to stay
in human society.
Every race or class of
people has its peculiar festival to represent its genius or characteristic
likes and inclinations. More than a century back Bengali poet—Iswar Gupta said
thus—'Bengal is so much fragmented, still it is full of humor i.e. festivals'.
On a festive day our mind takes a holiday. Friends and relatives meet in a gay
or jolly mood to beguile the time merrily. It is also on such an occasion that
we receive the blessings of the elders and intimates.
Festivals may be
religious or social. Most Indian festivals are the legacy of our feudal
past.They are harvest-centered. When the reaping is over, after generally a
bumper crop, the peasants make merry in a leisurely mood. Durga Puja in Bengal
is by far the greatest festival. It takes place when the rains are over and the
seasonal crops have been harvested. Likewise the Pongal of Tamilnad and Onam of
Kerala are hervest-based festivals. In such days Nature also smiles and assumes
a festive look. Men and women put on new Clothes and arrange special dishes. In
Kerala Onam festival is marked by specially decorated boat races. In Orissa it
is the Char-Khai festival.
In upper India the
Dipavali or festival of lights has a great attraction. In Maharashtra Ganapati
festival and Sibaji Utsab are the twin festivals of mass participation. In
Assam there are `Bihu' festivals, peculiar to each season. Of these the '
Rangila Bihu', marking the advent,of colorful spring, is the most joyful, or
hilarious occasion. Each guest is offered a Gamocha or Towel
as a mark of endearment
and love that are expressed in colourful and mixed dances and music. In Panjub 'Baisakhi'
or New Year festival is very popular.
On the occasion of a
festival the participants are in an expansive or communicative mood. The
conventional barriers of castes, creed, and age vanish. Gossips follow
regularly, punctuated with snacks and songs, loud laughter and exchange of
pleasantries. An atmosphere of cordiality prevails in such family re-unions or
assembly of friends and intimates. All these are impressed in the memory
abidingly. Festivals also bring different sections of the community together,
strengthen the social bond and these are impressed in the memory of sensitive
souls. Festivals also bring different sections of the community together,
strengthen the social bond, thereby promoting national integration. Festivals
also have a socio-economic side. They make or create work for the artists and
artisans. There are producers who make their articles having an eye to
festivals. When they are in demand, they sell easily. Thus there arc exchanges
of hearts as also of money. Time fleets joyfully until one is aware that (such)
a fine day has glided by so imperceptibly.
0 comments:
Post a Comment