So this Sunday, we celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi. Everybody was having fun. There was happiness all around. So what does this mean?
a) It gives many, the right to create a make shift pandals on the roads, blocking almost 60% of the road width. But they are aware of their social responsibilities so they always have some people deputed to guide the traffic that Ganesha is sitting here, so you better take the detour.
Its the riders/drivers fault that they chose to take that road, when there are many pot-holed, 1 lane by lanes, that one can take anytime. Traveling on them might be like cycling the pristine by-cycles but that would atleast save some time. And note that only the atheists, the blasphemous would dare to put their time over and above the Lord.
b) It also gives many, the right to use loudspeakers. Blaring music right from the time when the first of the first of the first photons of the sunray beats upon the earth until the time when the last of last of last photons barely manages to skim the earth. Early of the earliest morning to the latest of late evening. So the neighborhood’s sleep goes for a spin. But we are content that atleast they are making the Ganesh happy.
c) Not to miss the gang of kids on the roads. The only homework they then know is of standing on the road in bunches, numbering to a large number, which would put shame to the cumulative strengths of armies and militant organization of the world. Their dictionary is limited to few words, "Donation uncle, Ganesh!". Makes me wonder, do I look that old? One gang after another they pound on the passers-by. You pay them, Rs 10 is not acceptable is a straight reply, if not by will then to save yourself from the school of piranhas nibbling on you piece-meal.
d) Others find it a great way to show to themselves or maybe to others, gossiping is contagious, their religious bent. They visit from many to any pandals. I don't know what they look for blessings, sandals or something else!!
And it makes me wonder, does Ganesh love it when Himesh Reshmiya croons “Aashik banaya Aapne” or does he really feels like dancing when a chart buster of local lingo is blasting from the loudspeakers? Does he really care about those groups dancing on the roads? Does he worry about those people who after putting a hard day at work would like to sleep well? Does he get upset that celebration for some has become a nuisance for many?
What wrong did I do? I wonder. Why I am not allowed to get a good sleep? Why do I have to be stopped at every corner? Why do I have to slow down on my way to office at every nook and corner of the road? Why has begging taken a new guise under the cloak of religious collection?
Is Ganesha punishing me because I don’t remember when was the last time I went to a temple? Is he punishing me because I don’t contribute to those collections? Is he punishing me that I don’t have faith in the people who collect the money? Is he punishing me that my prayers are limited to just half and hour of modest effort a day?
Should I complain to his parents?
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
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