Yesterday (Sept 18, 2012):
The arrival of the God Ganesh (Elephant God).
Today (Sept 19, 2012):
The day of farewell
to the shortest staying Ganesh. All over the city is reverberating with the
slogan – Ganapati Bappa Moriya, Pudchaya Varshi Lavkar Ya! (Hail Elephant God,
Come soon next year). A beautiful concept of hope, hope for prosperity and
peace, which probably lasts for only 12 days.
The entire country is witnessing another reverberation of
people’s slogans – ‘roll back the price hike in diesel, gas and other
products’; ‘withdraw the FDI bill’. The people’s movement is also to bring
prosperity and lasting peace. I am not sure which of the wishes will really bring
the desired results. The former is based on faith and hope and it is a wish for
a miracle. It is less effort and an easy way out; the latter is the harder way
– a struggle of people to achieve the same peace and prosperity – the right of
people in a democratic society.
The end will decide if the means are right.
It is heartening to note that awareness has increased and
this year there have been more eco-friendly idols and atleast a small minority
of people who have taken up this idea seriously. Hope this concept will spread
and reduce the already high level of pollution and waste in the environment.
More of my thoughts on Sri Ganesh in my next blog.
Written in Jaslok on 19th Septermber, the day of the 1 and 1/2 day Ganesh visarjan. Posted on 22nd September 2012
Appreciate your thoughts. But i don't think that there is a scheme that only 'one' type of hope is all that can be true. That considering, that wishes and miracles do give hope of coming true just as politicians before elections.
ReplyDeleteFor those who cling to an undefined force and thus a faith, it must be the simplest way to let go of the stress, by leaving it all to be solved by their almighty or 'God'....And,for the skeptic or non-believer, humanity and the path of "i will fight everything that is not right and logical by my scientific understanding" his voice and fight is valid. But both deserve equal compassion or validity.
Since, not everybody has the same school of thought or reasoning or strength to cope with their problems. i don't think it right to look down upon the innocent believer who "knows not what better to do". Not everybody stands with flag in hand fighting for the right.
some lead and some follow, some just stand helpless hoping one of the two will turn true...
It seems obvious to believe that a intangible miracle will come true and than to believe that the all-promising so called democratic system will turn true and right.
Yes, but i too congratulate those thoughtful citizens who are opting for clay ganapatis and lesser fuss.
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