What is it about the new year that people world over sees it as something special? Is this a western fascination that passed onto the third world they once ruled? Certainly new year in the present date and format is a western fascination. Let me try to explain what new year means in the part of world I come from. The southern most state of India, Kerala.
First of all, New Year does not fall in January, but somewhere in April/May. New Year is celebrated as "Vishu". Though a Hindu festival, as with all other things in Kerala, even this is secular in nature now. As a kid, "Vishu" meant, pocket money from all relatives. I really dont remember how I spent all that money. Fact remains that I would manage to spent all that before summer was over. One major attraction of Vishu is the "Vishukkani", where we wake up early in the morning around 3am, go to the prayer room with closed eyes so that the first thing we see in the new year is god. But as in any place else in the world, western influence can be seen with celebration even in remote hamlets of present day Kerala on Jan 1st.
So again, what is it about new year that people are so excited about. Is it just another festive moment? Or is it time we can put our past behind hoping for better future? Or is it the time that marks the end of the one month shopping season, reminding everyone that it is time they moved on with their work.
One thing I have found fascinating is the "new year resolutions" and the jokes about how they are often meant to be broken. The concept is beautiful as it gives a chance at making one's life better. I often wonder about the sucess rate of this. I havent till now made one. But for a change, this time is going to be different. I found myself really lonely this vacation and with lot of time to think and get bored. So, I already have two things on my list. Hope they are not broken....
First of all, New Year does not fall in January, but somewhere in April/May. New Year is celebrated as "Vishu". Though a Hindu festival, as with all other things in Kerala, even this is secular in nature now. As a kid, "Vishu" meant, pocket money from all relatives. I really dont remember how I spent all that money. Fact remains that I would manage to spent all that before summer was over. One major attraction of Vishu is the "Vishukkani", where we wake up early in the morning around 3am, go to the prayer room with closed eyes so that the first thing we see in the new year is god. But as in any place else in the world, western influence can be seen with celebration even in remote hamlets of present day Kerala on Jan 1st.
So again, what is it about new year that people are so excited about. Is it just another festive moment? Or is it time we can put our past behind hoping for better future? Or is it the time that marks the end of the one month shopping season, reminding everyone that it is time they moved on with their work.
One thing I have found fascinating is the "new year resolutions" and the jokes about how they are often meant to be broken. The concept is beautiful as it gives a chance at making one's life better. I often wonder about the sucess rate of this. I havent till now made one. But for a change, this time is going to be different. I found myself really lonely this vacation and with lot of time to think and get bored. So, I already have two things on my list. Hope they are not broken....
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