A Case for Course Correction: Navratri and Garba

As Navratri celebrations unfold every year, we see the following three things happening. All three are distortions of the truth and we need to be on our guard and not let our minds get swayed. Here goes:

1. Most Garba Dance events use film songs. This is a complete nuisance. Navratri is a celebration of the Nine Nights of Mother Durga. The whole point is to worship the Mother. We come together and celebrate Her Divinity with Devotional Songs (Bhajans) and Dance joyfully to the same. That's Garba. It is an opportunity to remind ourselves that there is a joy and celebration higher than worldly pleasures. In fact, it is our understanding and appreciation of this higher joy that enables us to stay steady as we go experience the joys and sorrows of the world. Dancing to film songs during Navratri celebrations defeats this whole purpose!

2. In recent times there has been a push for vegetarianism and poultry and meat shops face resistance. This has no context whatsoever. There are many Hindu communities - Bengalis, Orriyas, Assamese, Rajputs, Kashmiri Pandits - that do not forsake poultry and meat products while celebrating divinity. This is a personal and community choice that is best not interfered with. To each individual his or her own and to each community its own. (And how do you expect poultry and meat businesses to make a living every time you force them to shut their shops?)

3. In recent times there has also been a whole lot of hullabaloo every time a Muslim is spotted at a Garba event. This is madness! I reject Islamic extremism as stubbornly as anyone else (I also reject Sikh, Christian and Hindu extremism with the same stubbornness) and am perfectly alright with exercising caution and not allowing extremist elements to disrupt celebrations anywhere. But those who want to celebrate with us must be welcomed with open arms. And examples abound of Muslims participating in Hindu festivals not only at the level of celebrating but also at the level of helping with decorations (many Muslim women are experts at Rangoli designs) and singing devotional songs for the Mother.

There is a reason why we celebrate Divinity frequently in the din of our life and challenges in the world. Let's not forget that reason and miss the whole point.