The lines of a famous song from the Bollywood movie “ Anokhi Raat ” go like this :
“ Woh jin ko pyaar hai chaandi se ishq soney se
Wohi kahenge kabhi humne khud kushi kar li …..”
Again starting lines of Ben Jonson’s play “Volpone “ read like :
“ Good morning to the day: and next, my gold! –
Open the shrine that I may see my saint…..”
These are two points of view or rather ways of life that go contrary to each other and the obsession with the yellow metal does not seem to subside despite the price of gold touching all time high. Little wonder then that a prominent English daily had its Sunday edition devoted to Gold, as not only ornaments but also IPads , Laptops made of or coated with Gold were shown as being on sale for any one who could afford to buy. For the first time, I was forced to believe that India is a poor country inhabited by rich people- contrary to what we were taught in school years ago. All this leads one to believe that Diwali is all and only about purchasing and flaunting Gold whether in jewelry or otherwise. The only saving grace appears to be the sincere concern of some celebrity film stars for the poor and the underprivileged for whom they do and are doing their bit and make this a part of their Diwali celebrations .
Unfortunately “bazaar” has invaded our lives and the true spirit and cultural significance of festivals is almost lost .
Happy Diwali !
शुभ दीपावली
ReplyDeleteIndia is a rich country with the most number of poor people in the world. A handful people have all the money.
ReplyDeleteHappy Diwali.
It is true that the true spirit and cultural significance of our festivals have been lost . Yesterday when we were in the market to purchase something on the occasion of 'Dhanteras' . I realized that everything has become just a formality, things are becoming symbolic only. Instead of purchasing 'mitti kaa diya" , people were eager to have electric diya where they do not have to bother about oil pouring in it and putting bati. They just want to lit electric lamps everywhere.
ReplyDeletePressing a switch is more convenient for people now a days. Are we all getting lazy or just forgetting the scientific and cultural significance of our Hindu festivals?
Above all, I saw rich people enjoying every bit in the market but the poor kids were getting scolded by their parents when they asked for a little money to eat 'chat'.
That was pathetic...
.
@ जाट देवता (संदीप पवाँर)
ReplyDeleteदीपावली की आपको भी बहुत बहुत शुभकामनायें , संदीप जी !
@A
May the festival of lights illuminate your life with joy, happiness and prosperity !
@Zeal
May the festival of lights illuminate your life with joy, happiness and prosperity !
You are right, we are too much given to convenience and instant joy. It is really unfortunate to see every thing centered around rich people. The media invariably believes in playing to the gallery . The poor are marginalised everywhere !
Anyways keep up the spirits and enjoy Diwali !