National festivals tie people with a common thread, brings everyone under a sky-like umbrella, and instill a singular feeling of nationalism.
Have you pondered the fact that festivals like Durga Puja, Deepawali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, or Guruparb are celebrated by specific communities or religions, whereas festivals such as Independence Day and Republic Day are celebrated by the whole nation? Imagine over 140 crores of people immersed in one feeling, one spirit, and one thought!
Every Independence Day or Republic Day, for that matter, I feel nostalgic about school life. Oh wait! Even before the sunrise, the hawkers selling the national flag ‘Tiranga,’ shouting “Jhanda hai, Jhanda,” served as an alarm clock in the morning. We would wake up, rubbing our eyes to grab them, as it was a tradition to walk to school with the national flag in our hands. Even if I failed to wake up, my mother would purchase a couple of them. I am not sure whether they come in the morning now, since I have been living away from home for over 10 years. The surprising and disturbing fact was that most of them were children aged 12- 15 years. During school days, I didn’t pay it any attention, but now I realise the gravity of the situation. Do you? Think for a while.
During school days, Independence Day brought another set of joy. We would be exempted from the extensive teaching sessions. Also, the rules would be a bit flexible. The teachers were not as strict as on other days. We would dress neatly in white. The shoulders felt somewhat relaxed. Those students participating in cultural programs had to leave early for another round of rehearsal. Well, I wasn’t among those participating in these programs. I was among the audience. That’s why the stage fear persists even today! Hahaha!
Also, how can I forget those prolonged cultural programs and endless waiting for jalebis and sweets? The waiting seemed worth it after the two jalebis! Wait! I forgot one thing. The cultural program was still fine, but those dreadful and endless speeches! By the teachers! One after the other! Director, Principal, Hindi and English teachers, students aur na jane kaun kaun. To instil a sense of nationalism. At that time, all I did was wait for the speech to get over, but I understand its value today.
Despite everything, as far as I can recall, I kept going on Independence Day and Republic Day without fail. As I grew up, I also started participating in speeches. On the eve of Republic Day, we would get prizes for year-round activities. I also remember attending half of the sessions and then taking the rest of the day off to roam or to play cricket. I think these are the moments I can recall for now. Will edit once I recall more!
I understand that I wrote the post a day later because I wanted the feeling to stay longer and forever.
Jai Hind!
©Shashank
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