Festivals and Happiness

It's Ganesh Festival and I went out for a little ride. I'm told that I think too much , and that's exactly what I did. The bike ride was a really good thing for that. As an atheist (नास्तिक), I don't believe in idol worship or even in the concept of a deity. But, I'm pretty surprised at how that gives people the joy and happiness that was visible today. Even the usually quiet slums were filled up with the cries of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya'. It is really inspiring how these people, who find it hard to survive the rat race, can do everything when it comes to this.

Come to think of it, I've seen similar sites all over the month of Shravan (5th month in Hindu calendar), on Christmas, in the month of Ramadan and on the various occasions of Eid. People exhibit various emotions. They are overwhelmed , excited and happy. These same people, on any other day, would act like they don't care if you exist. On these special occasions, these people suddenly start behaving in a total different way. It's like something clicks in the minds of these strangers and they become hospitable and familiar. They treat you like you get treated at home on your birthday.

For me, God is nothing but a supernatural being, developed by man as a way to satisfy his questions and explain the things that he himself couldn't in the past, due to less advancement of science. But, when you look at the worshippers, it's an incredible sight. The grinning faces, taking it all in and having fun, are a treat to watch. You get heartwarming smiles everywhere you go and you can't help but smile back. The environment created by these festivals is incredible. Nothing can be compared to the ever happy vibes of this time. Hindus are seen distributing sweets to everyone around. Muslims are seen hugging each other during Eid. People go to churches and wish everyone else and gift something to their loved ones on Christmas. And many others are seen lighting their hearts with love and warmth.

But the festival season is like fireworks. You're happy when they burst. But once they die down, you go back to your own self, being sad and anxious.

Why can't we be happy and welcoming everyday ? This could change the world. People will start loving each other and we'll develop as a society. Crimes against women are going high and this has made women feel frightened just to leave their own homes. We could stop this. What's stopping us from exhibiting the same behaviour on other days as we show in the festival season ? These various castes and religions divide us. We should cross these borders and look at life with this happy holiday spirit everyday and show love and affection towards everyone around us regardless of religions and what not.

So , let's change ourselves today and help better the society and the world around us. Let's work for a secure environment and a friendly welcome to everyone around us. Let's spread love and be with each other during these difficult times.

To all my theist and atheist friends ,

Have a Happy Festival Season