There are many things that cross my mind when I am travelling or walking. Often a very good thought brushes my mind as I am crossing the road, or struggling to retain an inch of foot space in a crowded train. Unfortunately, I don’t get the time and resource to scribble it down or give it some tangible form. Then, when I sit down to recollect it and write it down: PHUT!!! The idea is lost forever.
It’s unfortunate, but it’s true. But that’s how painful and disappointing writing can get at times. No wonder, some of the prominent writers have called the process of writing as painful as a labour pain; and creating a piece of work an act equivalent of giving birth. You have no control of what will come out. You have no option, but to wait patiently until some miraculous force takes pity on you and the words begin to flow. The wait could at times last for eternity or just happen in a zephyr.
In times when you are feeling spontaneous or when you begin to believe that you have become brain dead, the only antidote you have at hand is –keep writing. Don’t think if it makes sense or sounds idiotic. Just keep doing it. After a while, I am sure, the words will begin to make sense -very much like how this piece of work has shaped up.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Down the Memory Lane
Human body is a marvel. What is even more amazing is the ability of the brain to bring back memories. In fact, “memory” in itself is no less than a miracle.
I managed to scribble into my journal yesterday after a very long hiatus. I had decided to write something in it everyday. It could be something as trivial as eating a banana. But, I am going to write about it. Why I am mentioning this here is to arrive at the point as to why I have begun this piece describing the marvel of the human body.
The moment I sat to write there was a deluge of thoughts which I had saved to write about ‘later’ and which did not happen. I did not manage to write about them this morning as I was very sleepy. If you are still wondering what I mean, I would like to clarify that it was around 12:30am when I put pen to paper ‘this morning’.
As I sat to write, I immediately turned back time and traveled some Sundays back and reached the temple at Andheri. I was visiting it with my parents and was waiting for our cousins to arrive. Being a Sunday and an auspicious day (I say auspicious because there were a lot of people and pujas happening at the different corners) there were a lot more people than you often find on a lazy Sunday morning. We were sitting on the marble seating provided within the premises. Just then a very old man walked towards us. His age was wavering in this gait. He was trying to find a place to sit. I desperately wanted to help him find a seat, but unfortunately we were standing. Just then a gentleman got up and offered him a seat which he happily accepted. As he sat, he glanced towards me. I was staring at him completely lost. There was something about his face that grasped my attention and held my gaze. It was an aura that only old age could gift you. The moment he saw me he lifted his hands, brought them together and gestured a “Namaste.” I smile at him and raised my hands to reciprocate, but immediately returned to my senses and stopped them halfway while checking out if someone was watching me. I must confess that I felt embarrassed to reciprocate with a namaste.
Namaste is an Indian way of greeting people. In the humbleness of the gesture lies its beauty. It is something every other person on the surface of this earth takes pride in doing except we Indians. The incident signaled the pace at which we are loosing our rich cultural and traditional wealth. We some how seem to have developed a case of myopia and cannot see the true worth our values and beliefs -sad, but true.
The other incident that had me really shattered me from right within is what happened one night while traveling to meet a friend for dinner. I was supposed to meet a friend for dinner. We generally meet-up after office and discuss about work, challenges, people and a book I am planning to work on.
I boarded the train, and a couple of stations later three urchins boarded my compartment. First one was the eldest of the lot, not more than seven to eight years, who was carrying a tiny infant in her arms. Probably, her younger sister? Following her was a tiny, frail boy was also younger to her. He must be her brother. The eldest girl ordered him to beg for coins before the passengers, while she moved ahead to the other section of the compartment.
That boy had caught my attention because of his frail & tiny frame and the innocence in his eyes. I was watching him approach every passenger and get turned down with, either, a rude gesture, an indignant look or an oblivion expression.
After almost being refused by everyone, he reached my seat and bent down near my feet. I must admit that, I too was not inclined to pay him anything. His innocence till that time had just knocked the doors of my heart, but could not force me to open the door. I watched him as he lay there head down near my feet. Sometime passed, but he did not raise his head. The long pause was beginning to get a little discomforting. As he lay there, I could see a one rupee coin peep out of his clenched fist and look towards me with a naughty sparkle. As I watched him, a thought crossed my mind that, this evening I would spend over half a grand over booze and food -quite some amount that could save him quite some trouble of spreading his hands. I began to feel lucky and silently thank the almighty.
Gradually, the very thought of eating out began to feel repulsive as I stared at his delicate and soiled frame. Any extra luxury looked sinful. Everything good about my life seemed impious. I began to descend in the tunnel of sin; I was awakened by a loud, screeching voice. As I returned back I realized it was the elder sister calling out to this boy. He got up rubbing his sleepy eyes. He had fallen asleep as he lay there waiting for the doors of my heart to open. Unfortunately it didn’t.
I alighted at the next station, and began walking towards my destination discarding all the heavy baggages of guilt my conscience had just packed some time ago. Life just went on as it always does.
The only things that remained from those two days are their memories that stayed back and haunt me when I revisit them. They still set me thinking afresh, and take me to another world where there are only questions and very few answers, or rather no answers at all.
I managed to scribble into my journal yesterday after a very long hiatus. I had decided to write something in it everyday. It could be something as trivial as eating a banana. But, I am going to write about it. Why I am mentioning this here is to arrive at the point as to why I have begun this piece describing the marvel of the human body.
The moment I sat to write there was a deluge of thoughts which I had saved to write about ‘later’ and which did not happen. I did not manage to write about them this morning as I was very sleepy. If you are still wondering what I mean, I would like to clarify that it was around 12:30am when I put pen to paper ‘this morning’.
As I sat to write, I immediately turned back time and traveled some Sundays back and reached the temple at Andheri. I was visiting it with my parents and was waiting for our cousins to arrive. Being a Sunday and an auspicious day (I say auspicious because there were a lot of people and pujas happening at the different corners) there were a lot more people than you often find on a lazy Sunday morning. We were sitting on the marble seating provided within the premises. Just then a very old man walked towards us. His age was wavering in this gait. He was trying to find a place to sit. I desperately wanted to help him find a seat, but unfortunately we were standing. Just then a gentleman got up and offered him a seat which he happily accepted. As he sat, he glanced towards me. I was staring at him completely lost. There was something about his face that grasped my attention and held my gaze. It was an aura that only old age could gift you. The moment he saw me he lifted his hands, brought them together and gestured a “Namaste.” I smile at him and raised my hands to reciprocate, but immediately returned to my senses and stopped them halfway while checking out if someone was watching me. I must confess that I felt embarrassed to reciprocate with a namaste.
Namaste is an Indian way of greeting people. In the humbleness of the gesture lies its beauty. It is something every other person on the surface of this earth takes pride in doing except we Indians. The incident signaled the pace at which we are loosing our rich cultural and traditional wealth. We some how seem to have developed a case of myopia and cannot see the true worth our values and beliefs -sad, but true.
The other incident that had me really shattered me from right within is what happened one night while traveling to meet a friend for dinner. I was supposed to meet a friend for dinner. We generally meet-up after office and discuss about work, challenges, people and a book I am planning to work on.
I boarded the train, and a couple of stations later three urchins boarded my compartment. First one was the eldest of the lot, not more than seven to eight years, who was carrying a tiny infant in her arms. Probably, her younger sister? Following her was a tiny, frail boy was also younger to her. He must be her brother. The eldest girl ordered him to beg for coins before the passengers, while she moved ahead to the other section of the compartment.
That boy had caught my attention because of his frail & tiny frame and the innocence in his eyes. I was watching him approach every passenger and get turned down with, either, a rude gesture, an indignant look or an oblivion expression.
After almost being refused by everyone, he reached my seat and bent down near my feet. I must admit that, I too was not inclined to pay him anything. His innocence till that time had just knocked the doors of my heart, but could not force me to open the door. I watched him as he lay there head down near my feet. Sometime passed, but he did not raise his head. The long pause was beginning to get a little discomforting. As he lay there, I could see a one rupee coin peep out of his clenched fist and look towards me with a naughty sparkle. As I watched him, a thought crossed my mind that, this evening I would spend over half a grand over booze and food -quite some amount that could save him quite some trouble of spreading his hands. I began to feel lucky and silently thank the almighty.
Gradually, the very thought of eating out began to feel repulsive as I stared at his delicate and soiled frame. Any extra luxury looked sinful. Everything good about my life seemed impious. I began to descend in the tunnel of sin; I was awakened by a loud, screeching voice. As I returned back I realized it was the elder sister calling out to this boy. He got up rubbing his sleepy eyes. He had fallen asleep as he lay there waiting for the doors of my heart to open. Unfortunately it didn’t.
I alighted at the next station, and began walking towards my destination discarding all the heavy baggages of guilt my conscience had just packed some time ago. Life just went on as it always does.
The only things that remained from those two days are their memories that stayed back and haunt me when I revisit them. They still set me thinking afresh, and take me to another world where there are only questions and very few answers, or rather no answers at all.
Monday, January 12, 2009
One for the New Year
I was just reading the various posts on my blog, and I realized that I haven’t made any postings in the New Year. I did have a lot to write about, but somehow managed to ignore them. I will write about them. When? God Knows.
For today, it’s just some random thoughts. I haven’t made much progress with my writings lately. Not that I regularly write, and I am applauded for the same. What I mean is that I haven’t been able to stick to my routine of writing something everyday. I did have a friend’s Laptop in my house, but nothing seemed to happen. I just got bored with the laptop. I feel I am more comfortable the desktop.
Work has been a little hectic in the last two weeks. We had an exhibition and, we all were all pushing ourselves way beyond our limits to add the final touches. But, the whole experience was fun and satisfying.
I have written a small story, which I want to upload here. I am still not sure with the title. I am toying with different options. Let’s see what best comes out of the creative hibernation that I have gone into.
For today, it’s just some random thoughts. I haven’t made much progress with my writings lately. Not that I regularly write, and I am applauded for the same. What I mean is that I haven’t been able to stick to my routine of writing something everyday. I did have a friend’s Laptop in my house, but nothing seemed to happen. I just got bored with the laptop. I feel I am more comfortable the desktop.
Work has been a little hectic in the last two weeks. We had an exhibition and, we all were all pushing ourselves way beyond our limits to add the final touches. But, the whole experience was fun and satisfying.
I have written a small story, which I want to upload here. I am still not sure with the title. I am toying with different options. Let’s see what best comes out of the creative hibernation that I have gone into.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
My Review on ‘GHAJINI’
I saw Ghajini last evening. I loved the movie unlike what some of the critics wrote. The movie is ‘a commercial movie’ and has no moral take away. But, the entire film is gripping. The direction is brilliant. In fact, each and every person involved in the making of this movie deserves a great applaud.
What appealed to me the most about the film is the continuity. The establishing shot too smoothly transitions from the neurons inside the brain to zoom out into an X-ray of the brain in the psychiatrist’s X-ray monitor where he is discussing Aamir Khan’s case with his students.
The other two instances which I can clearly recollect is when Aamir meets Kalpana (Asin) for the first time, and the other one is when he proposes to her and is awaiting her answer.
The other touching shot which I have not been able to get over is where Asin is brutally murdered before Aamir Khan’s eyes. The way the shot has been executed, simply touches you. I do not want to reveal it to take away the credit. Besides I feel, you should see it to feel it.
The director has been successful is engaging the audience with this mastery. You can actually hear the audience sighing at the misfortune of Asin before she is killed by the goons. And the second time is an exhilarated cry of victory when Aamir kills Ghajini the way he (Ghajini) killed Asin.
The subject has been convincingly handled. There are loose ends in every movie, and this movie is no exception. One must overlook them and see the effort. Aamir Khan is his usual best, and Asin too has done a good job. The movie is undoubtedly a masala movie, but is surely worth the hype and a watch.
What appealed to me the most about the film is the continuity. The establishing shot too smoothly transitions from the neurons inside the brain to zoom out into an X-ray of the brain in the psychiatrist’s X-ray monitor where he is discussing Aamir Khan’s case with his students.
The other two instances which I can clearly recollect is when Aamir meets Kalpana (Asin) for the first time, and the other one is when he proposes to her and is awaiting her answer.
The other touching shot which I have not been able to get over is where Asin is brutally murdered before Aamir Khan’s eyes. The way the shot has been executed, simply touches you. I do not want to reveal it to take away the credit. Besides I feel, you should see it to feel it.
The director has been successful is engaging the audience with this mastery. You can actually hear the audience sighing at the misfortune of Asin before she is killed by the goons. And the second time is an exhilarated cry of victory when Aamir kills Ghajini the way he (Ghajini) killed Asin.
The subject has been convincingly handled. There are loose ends in every movie, and this movie is no exception. One must overlook them and see the effort. Aamir Khan is his usual best, and Asin too has done a good job. The movie is undoubtedly a masala movie, but is surely worth the hype and a watch.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Some Random Thoughts
I saw Mr and Mrs Porter the other day. They have shifted their haven. Now-a-days they sit near the pile of scrap iron between platform number 8 and 9&10 of the Harbour line. I noticed that they do not have their new born child with them any more. I only find their elder daughter tugging along with her mother. The scene flushes innumerable assumptions into my mind. But today, I don’t want to think about them.
Today we had Christmas celebrations in our office. They distributed a lovely piece of plum cake (at least that’s what I believe. It could be something else. It looked, and somewhat, tasted like one.) That’s all; nothing else. I believe the cost cutting has crept into Christmas celebrations. This Diwali too was pretty sublime. I could find some lights glittering in the shanties and in the pics of celebrities flashed across various magazine and news supplements. It looked as if there was no “deepavali” for the middle class.
Traveling in a local train is an experience in itself. Traveling by a Mumbai local train is an even greater experience. Every morning thousands of individuals: young and old, rich and poor, Hindu & Muslim…in fact every permutation and combination you can possibly think about travel in a state where they are crammed-up like chickens moving for culling. At times you end up traveling in physical positions that even Baba Ramdev must have never dreamt of, or even mustered the courage to try. But life moves on. You travel cheek to cheek with a complete stranger for over an hour, and don’t fret about it. Perhaps, this is where we Mumbaikars receive all our patience from.
Everyone I meet now days has a common question, “When are you getting married?” I fear that if I do not get married in the next few months, it might become a National Issue. Or even worse, a breaking news on a local news channel. Every one seems to be very keen to see me married: friends, relatives, colleagues, and some new acquaintances as well. But then, what do you do when you either don’t find the right girl, or if you do manage to find one; she cannot marry you?
Tomorrow is Christmas. The mood will start building from today. I plan to visit Bandstand tomorrow. Just to get a feel of the Christmas spirit. The trip is not confirmed. I did share it with ‘SY’ and he needs time to think over it. Let’s hope he finds the time. It will be a good change, for a change.
Merry Christmas.
Today we had Christmas celebrations in our office. They distributed a lovely piece of plum cake (at least that’s what I believe. It could be something else. It looked, and somewhat, tasted like one.) That’s all; nothing else. I believe the cost cutting has crept into Christmas celebrations. This Diwali too was pretty sublime. I could find some lights glittering in the shanties and in the pics of celebrities flashed across various magazine and news supplements. It looked as if there was no “deepavali” for the middle class.
Traveling in a local train is an experience in itself. Traveling by a Mumbai local train is an even greater experience. Every morning thousands of individuals: young and old, rich and poor, Hindu & Muslim…in fact every permutation and combination you can possibly think about travel in a state where they are crammed-up like chickens moving for culling. At times you end up traveling in physical positions that even Baba Ramdev must have never dreamt of, or even mustered the courage to try. But life moves on. You travel cheek to cheek with a complete stranger for over an hour, and don’t fret about it. Perhaps, this is where we Mumbaikars receive all our patience from.
Everyone I meet now days has a common question, “When are you getting married?” I fear that if I do not get married in the next few months, it might become a National Issue. Or even worse, a breaking news on a local news channel. Every one seems to be very keen to see me married: friends, relatives, colleagues, and some new acquaintances as well. But then, what do you do when you either don’t find the right girl, or if you do manage to find one; she cannot marry you?
Tomorrow is Christmas. The mood will start building from today. I plan to visit Bandstand tomorrow. Just to get a feel of the Christmas spirit. The trip is not confirmed. I did share it with ‘SY’ and he needs time to think over it. Let’s hope he finds the time. It will be a good change, for a change.
Merry Christmas.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
….AND I CALL MYSELF A GOOD HUMAN BEING
Last evening was a new chapter in self introspection. I have had such bouts of introspections earlier. But,
I have never written about it. After listening to the whole incidence some of you may write it off as a trivial issue that I am getting little extra sentimental about. Nevertheless, sentimental or not sentimental, I am writing about it.
I had wrapped up my day very early yesterday. Well, very early for me but normal time for those punctual office leavers. I had finished my work and was feeling pretty exhausted mentally. Just then one of my colleagues walked up to my table and asked me if I was leaving. Initially, I was a little hesitant or rather a little uncomfortable to leave this early. But then, in a spur I shut my computer and walked out. It really felt refreshing to walk out of the office this early. As we climbed the station the train to CST had reached the station. I decided to take the other train that starts from Vashi, so my colleague wished me bye and dashed to catch the train.
I was thinking If I should get down at Chembur and catch up with a friend. Or maybe get down at Tilak Nagar (TN) and just walk home enjoying the evening. While I was working out these plans I realized the train had left Chembur station. I thought I should get down at Tilak Nagar and walk my way home. But this time the train reached TN station, but I was feeling a little lazy so I decided to alight at Kurla. The train was a little crowded, but I got to alight comfortably. I was moving with the crowd when I realized that the crowd was suddenly parting into two. As I reached near that spot I saw a old lady lying on the platform and looking helplessly at the people passing by. She was looking up and murmuring something that wasn’t louder than a whisper. Her expressions showed she needed physical assistance. Everybody was passing her as if she did not exist: I can still feel that unbearable squeeze in my heart when I recollect that scene. I wanted to help her. Something within me was screaming GO HELP HER. I don’t know why but I disobeyed that voice within and walked away with a stony feel along with the wave of the crowd. I desperately wanted to help her, but
I could not figure out what was stopping me. I was feeling like somebody has placed a stone on my heart and I was making no efforts to relieve myself off the burden even though I could and badly wanted to.
While I was battling these tumultuous emotions and by the time I could come up with a concrete decision
I already reached the top of the over bridge. Just then, another train arrived and then there was a deluge of heartless passengers aimlessly dispersed all over the station and on the over bridge. I just kept walking ahead frustrated that I did not reach out to help that needy old woman. What disturbed me the most was despite having the urge to reach out and help that needy old woman I lacked the courage to convert my thoughts into action. I reached home but I could not get over the incidence the whole evening and I kept asking myself ….Can I really call myself a good human being?
I have never written about it. After listening to the whole incidence some of you may write it off as a trivial issue that I am getting little extra sentimental about. Nevertheless, sentimental or not sentimental, I am writing about it.
I had wrapped up my day very early yesterday. Well, very early for me but normal time for those punctual office leavers. I had finished my work and was feeling pretty exhausted mentally. Just then one of my colleagues walked up to my table and asked me if I was leaving. Initially, I was a little hesitant or rather a little uncomfortable to leave this early. But then, in a spur I shut my computer and walked out. It really felt refreshing to walk out of the office this early. As we climbed the station the train to CST had reached the station. I decided to take the other train that starts from Vashi, so my colleague wished me bye and dashed to catch the train.
I was thinking If I should get down at Chembur and catch up with a friend. Or maybe get down at Tilak Nagar (TN) and just walk home enjoying the evening. While I was working out these plans I realized the train had left Chembur station. I thought I should get down at Tilak Nagar and walk my way home. But this time the train reached TN station, but I was feeling a little lazy so I decided to alight at Kurla. The train was a little crowded, but I got to alight comfortably. I was moving with the crowd when I realized that the crowd was suddenly parting into two. As I reached near that spot I saw a old lady lying on the platform and looking helplessly at the people passing by. She was looking up and murmuring something that wasn’t louder than a whisper. Her expressions showed she needed physical assistance. Everybody was passing her as if she did not exist: I can still feel that unbearable squeeze in my heart when I recollect that scene. I wanted to help her. Something within me was screaming GO HELP HER. I don’t know why but I disobeyed that voice within and walked away with a stony feel along with the wave of the crowd. I desperately wanted to help her, but
I could not figure out what was stopping me. I was feeling like somebody has placed a stone on my heart and I was making no efforts to relieve myself off the burden even though I could and badly wanted to.
While I was battling these tumultuous emotions and by the time I could come up with a concrete decision
I already reached the top of the over bridge. Just then, another train arrived and then there was a deluge of heartless passengers aimlessly dispersed all over the station and on the over bridge. I just kept walking ahead frustrated that I did not reach out to help that needy old woman. What disturbed me the most was despite having the urge to reach out and help that needy old woman I lacked the courage to convert my thoughts into action. I reached home but I could not get over the incidence the whole evening and I kept asking myself ….Can I really call myself a good human being?
Meri Christmas
26th December 2007
That’s not a blaring spelling error, but a common phrase used by Hindi speaking people in this part of the globe (India, Mumbai) while wishing their near and dear ones Merry Christmas. If you are still wondering what the word ‘Meri’ means. It means ‘Mine’ in Hindi.
This probably explains why Christmas has grown to become popular among the non-catholic communities in this part of the globe, India. Christmas is celebrated throughout India with same zest and zeal with which it is celebrated in the other parts of the world having Christian majority. Christmas touches the young and old together. There is a mood of brotherhood and revelry throughout.
Till some days back, there was no sign of Christmas and festivities in Mumbai. In fact, I remember I had written to a friend in the US stating that there is not much celebration for Christmas this year. But, by the weekend the entire city of Mumbai transformed into a celebratory mode. Shops were lit with Christmas trees. The newsprints were flooded with offers. The malls donned a brilliant stunning look. Center One, a fast growing mall in Vashi erected a huge Chritsmas of around 20 feet and decorated its entire premises with jazzy lights and stars that gave a very special feel to the entire ambience. There were Santas everywhere and school children were walking out wearing Red hats. The whole atmosphere was magical.
“There is a feeling of peace and tranquility. No loud noises; just melodious carols ringing in the ears. This is what makes this festival truly different,” comments an elderly lady walking out of the mid night mass. “What we like the best is that we receive plenty of gifts, and Santa Claus,” adds Stephen, her grandson. When asked how they are going to celebrate Christmas, Mrs D’souza answers with excitement, “My elder son, daughter-in-law and grand child have come down after years. Besides, them I have few relatives and close friends coming in. We will have a quite get-together and intend to spend the day together.” “The celebrations are not just restricted to Christians and Catholics. Not all people attending the Midnight Mass are Christians. Many people attend these masses because they enjoy it,” answers Sandeep, an enthusiastic teenager when asked why he attends the mass. “In fact, today you find many non Christian homes having a Christmas tree, balconies lit up with star of Bethlehem, and offering charities,” he further adds.
India is a cauldron of different religions and ethnic groups like Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddists and Jews. Further there are Goan Christians, Mangalorean Christians, East Indians or Keralite Christians. Everyone wants to add a dash of their culture and traditions to the celebrations. This gives this festival a very multifarious feel, yet making it one’s very own.
There is one community of Bengali Catholics in Mumbai who have migrated some 25 to 30 years back. Today there are 4,500 or more such Catholics living throughout India along with Assamesse and Manipuri Catholics. A few families reside in Kalina, Santacruz in Mumbai. These families have added a distinct local flavour to the Christmas celebrations. They use their local Kokata jaggery in the preparation of sweets which gives it a distinct flavour. They distribute these sweets among their neighbours during Christmas and it has become an integral part of the celebrations. In fact, their neighbours eagerly wait for Christmas to dig into these sweets. The Kolkata jaggery used is much tastier than the local jaggery and has slowly begun to be used in sweets prepared by others too.
Social messages have become an integral part of the Christmas celebrations. Around 1000 Catholic families in Vasai held an unique community exhibition to celebrate Christmas. They have created a Rs 50,000 al-fresco crib on a local pond to draw attention of the youths towards concerning issues like: AIDS, old age neglect, young widows, abortion & alcoholism. Another group of young Jain men, dressed as Santa Claus’s, dropped into the Home of Aged in Andheri and spent time with people in the old age home. One of the popular malls towards the town erected a huge stocking where people can deposit gifts. These will later be distributed among various underprivileged children.
In fact, the revelries are not restricted to the rich only. Christmas also brings in loads of smiles on the faces of street children. Celebrities too have been in the forefront in spreading joy among the underprivileged. Many Bollywood stars spent considerable time among children from the orphanages and basked in the warmth of their smiles. A great number of social institutions organized Christmas parties in orphanages for underprivileged children, distributed gifts and spent time with them, making this festival special for them.
Christmas also brings a wave of joy among street urchins selling flowers and other miscellaneous goodies at the signals and near railway stations. Car owners who generally raised their car glasses to keep away these children at the signals, for once, lowered their car glasses to buy Santa caps and masks. “We generally made paltry sum selling flowers everyday. But, during Christmas our business is flourishing. We sold 50 masks in just two days. My parents are overjoyed and there is a happy feeling back home,” exclaims a young girl selling masks and caps at the signal.
The other trend that has emerged this Christmas is Ms Santa Claus or Santarina. Young girls dressed as Santa Claus entertain children in 5 star hotels and malls. Many young women entrepreneurs are exploring this opportunity. The entire Santa get-up is conducive to keeping the identity of the person playing Santa Claus a complete secret. What initially began as teachers donning Santa’s costume to distribute gifts and sweets to school children has taken shape of a full-fledged profession. “We can handle children better. They generally do not shy away from us,” comments one of the women entrepreneurs playing Santa in a five star hotel. “Children too are more comfortable when they find a slender looking Santa before them,” adds another woman jokingly.
Even though the government has imposed many rules like no drinking and driving, it has not hampered the spirit of the festivities. Christmas successfully evokes the feeling of brotherhood and joy among the young and old; rich and poor. It is the feeling of doing something good to someone that helps it connect with the hearts of the people from diverse culture and ethnics. Everyone wants to add a shade of their culture and give Christmas their distinct feel. Despite blending with such myriads thoughts, traditions and feelings, what remains untouched is the core feeling of spreading joy and harmony. Perhaps this is the strongest reason why Christmas has become everyone’s while making everyone its very own. Christmas in the true sense of the word has become “Meri” for the entire world.
That’s not a blaring spelling error, but a common phrase used by Hindi speaking people in this part of the globe (India, Mumbai) while wishing their near and dear ones Merry Christmas. If you are still wondering what the word ‘Meri’ means. It means ‘Mine’ in Hindi.
This probably explains why Christmas has grown to become popular among the non-catholic communities in this part of the globe, India. Christmas is celebrated throughout India with same zest and zeal with which it is celebrated in the other parts of the world having Christian majority. Christmas touches the young and old together. There is a mood of brotherhood and revelry throughout.
Till some days back, there was no sign of Christmas and festivities in Mumbai. In fact, I remember I had written to a friend in the US stating that there is not much celebration for Christmas this year. But, by the weekend the entire city of Mumbai transformed into a celebratory mode. Shops were lit with Christmas trees. The newsprints were flooded with offers. The malls donned a brilliant stunning look. Center One, a fast growing mall in Vashi erected a huge Chritsmas of around 20 feet and decorated its entire premises with jazzy lights and stars that gave a very special feel to the entire ambience. There were Santas everywhere and school children were walking out wearing Red hats. The whole atmosphere was magical.
“There is a feeling of peace and tranquility. No loud noises; just melodious carols ringing in the ears. This is what makes this festival truly different,” comments an elderly lady walking out of the mid night mass. “What we like the best is that we receive plenty of gifts, and Santa Claus,” adds Stephen, her grandson. When asked how they are going to celebrate Christmas, Mrs D’souza answers with excitement, “My elder son, daughter-in-law and grand child have come down after years. Besides, them I have few relatives and close friends coming in. We will have a quite get-together and intend to spend the day together.” “The celebrations are not just restricted to Christians and Catholics. Not all people attending the Midnight Mass are Christians. Many people attend these masses because they enjoy it,” answers Sandeep, an enthusiastic teenager when asked why he attends the mass. “In fact, today you find many non Christian homes having a Christmas tree, balconies lit up with star of Bethlehem, and offering charities,” he further adds.
India is a cauldron of different religions and ethnic groups like Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddists and Jews. Further there are Goan Christians, Mangalorean Christians, East Indians or Keralite Christians. Everyone wants to add a dash of their culture and traditions to the celebrations. This gives this festival a very multifarious feel, yet making it one’s very own.
There is one community of Bengali Catholics in Mumbai who have migrated some 25 to 30 years back. Today there are 4,500 or more such Catholics living throughout India along with Assamesse and Manipuri Catholics. A few families reside in Kalina, Santacruz in Mumbai. These families have added a distinct local flavour to the Christmas celebrations. They use their local Kokata jaggery in the preparation of sweets which gives it a distinct flavour. They distribute these sweets among their neighbours during Christmas and it has become an integral part of the celebrations. In fact, their neighbours eagerly wait for Christmas to dig into these sweets. The Kolkata jaggery used is much tastier than the local jaggery and has slowly begun to be used in sweets prepared by others too.
Social messages have become an integral part of the Christmas celebrations. Around 1000 Catholic families in Vasai held an unique community exhibition to celebrate Christmas. They have created a Rs 50,000 al-fresco crib on a local pond to draw attention of the youths towards concerning issues like: AIDS, old age neglect, young widows, abortion & alcoholism. Another group of young Jain men, dressed as Santa Claus’s, dropped into the Home of Aged in Andheri and spent time with people in the old age home. One of the popular malls towards the town erected a huge stocking where people can deposit gifts. These will later be distributed among various underprivileged children.
In fact, the revelries are not restricted to the rich only. Christmas also brings in loads of smiles on the faces of street children. Celebrities too have been in the forefront in spreading joy among the underprivileged. Many Bollywood stars spent considerable time among children from the orphanages and basked in the warmth of their smiles. A great number of social institutions organized Christmas parties in orphanages for underprivileged children, distributed gifts and spent time with them, making this festival special for them.
Christmas also brings a wave of joy among street urchins selling flowers and other miscellaneous goodies at the signals and near railway stations. Car owners who generally raised their car glasses to keep away these children at the signals, for once, lowered their car glasses to buy Santa caps and masks. “We generally made paltry sum selling flowers everyday. But, during Christmas our business is flourishing. We sold 50 masks in just two days. My parents are overjoyed and there is a happy feeling back home,” exclaims a young girl selling masks and caps at the signal.
The other trend that has emerged this Christmas is Ms Santa Claus or Santarina. Young girls dressed as Santa Claus entertain children in 5 star hotels and malls. Many young women entrepreneurs are exploring this opportunity. The entire Santa get-up is conducive to keeping the identity of the person playing Santa Claus a complete secret. What initially began as teachers donning Santa’s costume to distribute gifts and sweets to school children has taken shape of a full-fledged profession. “We can handle children better. They generally do not shy away from us,” comments one of the women entrepreneurs playing Santa in a five star hotel. “Children too are more comfortable when they find a slender looking Santa before them,” adds another woman jokingly.
Even though the government has imposed many rules like no drinking and driving, it has not hampered the spirit of the festivities. Christmas successfully evokes the feeling of brotherhood and joy among the young and old; rich and poor. It is the feeling of doing something good to someone that helps it connect with the hearts of the people from diverse culture and ethnics. Everyone wants to add a shade of their culture and give Christmas their distinct feel. Despite blending with such myriads thoughts, traditions and feelings, what remains untouched is the core feeling of spreading joy and harmony. Perhaps this is the strongest reason why Christmas has become everyone’s while making everyone its very own. Christmas in the true sense of the word has become “Meri” for the entire world.
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