It is the name that shapes the identity. Indeed! This truism holds true not only for human beings, but for days as well. Let me explain what I mean.
The Ashadh Amavasya, the last, the no-moon day in the month of Ashadh is often called "gatari amavasya". This term means that the no- moon day gets spent in the gutters, near/in the drain, rolling in one's own vomit due to excessive binge drinking. The reference is to the vulgar practice of non-veg parties, liberally laced with liqueur, to celebrate the last day of Ashadh as all the "tamasik" food/drink are prohibited throughout the ensuing month of Shravan.
Instead of this ugly and mean and cheap name, how about calling the last day of Ashadh the "deep amavasya", the day of celebrating light, the day when home and hearth get lit up with as many diya's as is possible? There is a pure, pious, clean and almost Diwali-like feel to the premises, be it at home or in schools as some schools celebrate this mini festival with elan. What a beautiful and apt way of welcoming Shrawan, the month of devotion and beauty incarnate!
Pratima@ It can be an occasion that can be used to introduce children to the very history of the concept of light, right? Incidentally, museums like the Raja Kelkar museum have a beautiful collection of diya's used across ages. May be, thus would children's, and adults', obsession with the notorious blue light of the mobile be less!
No comments:
Post a Comment