How Religious Festivities are Becoming Social Fairs in India
Hinduism is a religion of festivities. Pomp, color, dance and music, assortment of delicacies, traditional costumes and merry making are usually associated with most Hindu festivals. Janmashtami- celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth, epitomizing the grandeur of Hindu festivities was observed in India on September 1. The Janmashtami celebrations, like most Hindu festivals, have come to highlight some specific dimensions of Hinduism portraying it as a religion that is ‘modern’ and ‘convenient’. The authenticity of these depictions can be challenged but it is the image of Hinduism as a religion marked by joyful festivities that feeds popular perception. Whether it is the Ganesh festival in Maharashtra or the Durga Puja Pandals in Bengal or the Navratri Dandiya nights in Gujarat, Hinduism is glamorized in the mainstream media.
Subscribe to the RSS feed and have all new posts delivered straight to you.