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Next lucky number (October 27) If festivals are taken as barometers to measure the mental make up of a people, then the people of Manipur, particularly the Meiteis, will score very poorly on this count. Come October and it is the same story every year. As the Manipuri people, particularly the Vaishnavites, prepare to Celebrate Durga Puja to epitomize the victory of the good over the forces of evil, many distasteful things make their way into the programs charted out to celebrate the victory of Goddess Durga. Loud speakers blaring away into the late night, tambolas played late into the night in every lanes and by lanes of the capital city, and last but not the least the numerous entertainment programs that leave a bad taste in the mouth of every discerning individual. Manipuris take pride in their rich culture and traditions but if the manner in which any festival is celebrated is taken into account then there may not be much to sing about the much-vaunted cultural ethos of the Manipuri people. It is there on the records for all to see that road accidents invariably shoot up during festival season and this should be enough cause for worry to anyone remotely concerned about the social life of the people. Rowdyism and yes at times, muscle flexing by the more uncouth elements see a sharp rise during festival seasons. There is nothing tasteful about the number of entertainment programs featured in all the nooks and corners of the capital city during the Puja festival. The dance items presented by effeminate male performers in the attires of the fairer sex are debauchery at its most basic. While such items may appear entertaining to some individuals it is ridiculous that it should be associated in any way with celebrating Durga Puja. Even stealing appears to go up during this period. A gentleman who walked into our office to place an advertisement said that, fish bred in his pond were stolen in the name of celebrating Durga Puja! It is not only during Durga Puja that the baser elements of the Manipuri people are brought to the fore. Holi, arguably the biggest festival in the State, is mired with thoughtless actions perpetrated by the very persons who go out to celebrate the festival. Every year Holi follows the same story. Road accidents see a sharp rise and our own Thabal Chongba is at many times taken as the opportune moment amongst the local Romeos to settle scores never mind the fact that Juliet may not even be aware of the existence of the bravados! Every New Year's Eve and every Christmas Eve also have some gory tales to tell. If festivals are going to be reduced to occasions for excesses with no respect for civic behavior and decorum then the people of Manipur should start serious self-introspection. Festivals
should be filled with laughter, mirth and should spread happiness.
There is no point in celebrating Durga Puja if the only thing it is
going to do is add to the number of road accidents or disturb the
sleep of the entire neighborhood. Given the scenario it is not
surprisingly that the people of Manipur are increasingly regarded as
"the group (Courtesy: The Sangai Express) FrontPage Manipur Profiles Features Potpourri Opinions Editorials Books Photos Links Archives Contact Policy/Disclaimer |
