I wanted to start writing blogs for a long time and finally I have begun! Navratri always brings enthusiasm in me. The whole atmosphere around is somehow very energetic, colourful and musical....all the things that can boost one's mood are here together! The same enthusiasm in the air prompted me to begin my blog-journey!
I was teaching the poem 'The bells' by Edgar Allan Poe in my stylistics class today morning. It is a wonderful poem about ringing bells that announce the coming of Christmas. The ringing of the silver bells in the icy air suggest the beginning of 'crystalline delight'. The poem made me think of similar suggestive markers in Indian culture that mark the beginning of the festive season. India is a land of festivities and merriemnt and these are at the peak in the four Indian months from Shravan to Kartik, known as the Chaturmas. The entire atmosphere is different in these days. You yourself may be a believer or non-believer in God or rituals or customs, but it is not possible to remain untouched by the festive fervour that sweeps the atmosphere with it. The dhol-tashas herald the coming of Ganpati. All the shops are full of decoration-material, lights, flowers and Ganpati makes his presence felt by the aartis sung in households, the sweets that show their effect on bulging stomachs and sleepy eyes!
Ganpati is followed by a short break in merry-making, days of paying homage to our ancestors. It is also marked by sudden increase in prices of vegetables like 'gawar', 'padwal' and 'alu' which are on the list of compulsory items in the 'paksha' rituals. Thus you just can't remain unaffected and untouched with the ride this season takes you on. The markers are very obviously present in the air!
Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of Navratri, packed with bhondlas in the evenings and Dandiya beats at night. The entire town again has a festive colour of merriment and celebration. Navratri is closely followed by Ashwini Pournima, a night of enjoying the blissful radiance of the full moon in the month of Ashwin! Diwali is round the corner already! Dazzling jewelry, ethnic dressing, sky going brilliant with crackers and kitchens flooding with goodies is a typical Diwali scene in India.
All of these are suggestive of man's inner desire to celebrate, be happy and share the happiness. These markers that foretell the tale of festivities are welcomed by one and all. Each one looks forward to celebrate the same festivals with a difference, with added fervour and energy!
I was teaching the poem 'The bells' by Edgar Allan Poe in my stylistics class today morning. It is a wonderful poem about ringing bells that announce the coming of Christmas. The ringing of the silver bells in the icy air suggest the beginning of 'crystalline delight'. The poem made me think of similar suggestive markers in Indian culture that mark the beginning of the festive season. India is a land of festivities and merriemnt and these are at the peak in the four Indian months from Shravan to Kartik, known as the Chaturmas. The entire atmosphere is different in these days. You yourself may be a believer or non-believer in God or rituals or customs, but it is not possible to remain untouched by the festive fervour that sweeps the atmosphere with it. The dhol-tashas herald the coming of Ganpati. All the shops are full of decoration-material, lights, flowers and Ganpati makes his presence felt by the aartis sung in households, the sweets that show their effect on bulging stomachs and sleepy eyes!
Ganpati is followed by a short break in merry-making, days of paying homage to our ancestors. It is also marked by sudden increase in prices of vegetables like 'gawar', 'padwal' and 'alu' which are on the list of compulsory items in the 'paksha' rituals. Thus you just can't remain unaffected and untouched with the ride this season takes you on. The markers are very obviously present in the air!
Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of Navratri, packed with bhondlas in the evenings and Dandiya beats at night. The entire town again has a festive colour of merriment and celebration. Navratri is closely followed by Ashwini Pournima, a night of enjoying the blissful radiance of the full moon in the month of Ashwin! Diwali is round the corner already! Dazzling jewelry, ethnic dressing, sky going brilliant with crackers and kitchens flooding with goodies is a typical Diwali scene in India.
All of these are suggestive of man's inner desire to celebrate, be happy and share the happiness. These markers that foretell the tale of festivities are welcomed by one and all. Each one looks forward to celebrate the same festivals with a difference, with added fervour and energy!
