June 21. Yes, the day is special indeed. Multiple reasons lead to this unique position. Let us begin with the most 'natural' one. Yes, on June 21 falls the summer solstice. It is hence the longest day, especially in the Northern hemisphere. The seasonal cycle would hereafter unmistakably gear itself towards the autumn-winter mode. It is literally an existential issue as climate-wise hereafter slowly but surely a different mode would begin.
The day is important for yet another reason. Since the early eighties, it has been celebrated as the World Music day. Yes, as it can be guessed, this appellation of the day IS French. In 1982, the then French Minister of Culture and Arts, Jack Lang, in association with a musician, Maurice Fleuer, initiated this day as a celebration of the multiple traditions, types, modes of-n-in music. Be it classical, be it folk, be it pop, be it 'film'y, be it Western or Eastern, be it vocal or instrumental, music speaks to every emotion and each mood. Not much was made of the music aspect in the media. On my own, I was in to music in a big way, as I always am.
The third reason is special for us Indians. Exactly ten years ago, our P.M., Narendra Modiji, introduced Yoga as a holistic practice in a big way, and across the world. A decade later, Yoga is a way of life, and beyond the mere market exploitation as a sheer exercise regime. Online i participated in two genuine celebrations, the World Record attempt by Habuild and the Yoga challenge by Isha Foundation of Sadhguru.
Well, both music and Yoga involve our entire being. In both these activities, we tune in to a (w)holistic feel within one's own self and with the beyond. No wonder, both 'days' fall on this unique day!
Pratima@Personally, for me, June 21 is seminally important as unfortunately it is the death anniversary of Papa. This year is the twenty-fifth year of Papa's sad demise. Hence I created (for private circulation) a beautiful booklet celebrating his genuine life full of integrity and loving kindness.
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