Spirited!

I don’t think we can say that the current generation is not that into festivities. Some of my generation peeps, elder ones too are of the same purview. I have been talking about it for a very long time and I really and firmly believe it has more to do with the family you have been raised in and your own outlook towards the whole aspect as well as your religious sentiments.

For instance, I've been raised in a family where culture and festivals was and is given a lot of priority. I guess somewhere it has been inculcated into us that we should rejoice and try to celebrate each festival well be it Hindu or Punjabi or Christian or of any religion. I've been taught that you should be a part of someone's happy times and more so when they need you the most. I think it’s a wonderful concept to celebrate each festivity with a gusto, though the preparation can be taxing but at least you remember it. I feel close to my roots. I’m not a very religious person but fairly am and at times am quite liberal but knowing the fact that our culture is so rich why should we not celebrate it. I feel that when you have a family of your own, it’s all the more essential because it becomes your job to imbibe it into the next generation. How else will they know their culture, that's how so many traditions are dispersing. 

Take for instance Janmastami, I remember the craze of choosing a new attire for Krishna, going to the flower market to get flowers and decorating the house, setting up for kirtan. Playing the dholak and singing songs. The making of jhankis on the streets and we used to prep for it, all of that is disappearing. We used to collect money from the neighbourhood and in the evening everyone used to be out on the streets to watch what the kids had done. From small to huge set ups, all of it was so beautiful. There was happiness all around. Some of us still try to keep the tradition alive and I'm glad for such people. These days all you see is some set up in a temple and that’s it. I don’t know what’s so “cool” about not giving a fuck about where you come from and who you are. Are you ashamed of your culture? Is it the westernisation? I don’t really know the mindset of such people. You are morose and you drag everyone else around into the same mood. With the stress of life of course I also don’t do a lot of grand things but little things that I do seem worth it.

Yes, I want to make an effort when it comes to festivals. Yes, I do make sure that the atmosphere is lively and its fun and yes I’m proud of my spirit. I like the fact that people wait for me to come to their place so things are energised or I can provide any help in whichever way I can. Who wants to be with a gloomy person anyways. So, yeah I love to do whatever I can and is in my power to make things happen and in a good way. I'm proud of myself for that. Granted, it takes a lot of effort and a lot of expectations are built but hey, if you can make someone happy by even the smallest, tiniest of gestures, why the hell not?