Celebrating Bangalore

Posted by Cindy on June 19, 2009

It’s a unique day today; Holi, Milad-un-Nabi. The Birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad . Plus, it’s Good Friday. Both are being celebrated today. It is both simplistic and idealistic to wish, as one of my friends did, that each community serves sweet dishes to the other, and I too think this sentiment to be a nice wish also.

Being born Hindu in the United States of America, but now living in Bangalore http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangalore, I have had the privilege of being exposed to both Islam and Christianity. I once lived near a few churches with which I would visit quite often. They were quiet sanctuary of peace where I could contemplate and get revitalized as it were. I would attend midnight Mass occasionally during the Christmas period and on Palm Sunday. The service for Palm Sunday’s was my favorite; everyone would walk outside the church, candles in hand.

Before I made permanent residence, while staying at one of the Luxury Hotels Bangalore offers, I found several Mosques within walking distance. I learned to understand at call of the muezzin to prayer. A realization came over me that the words Muslims use to address God are much the same as Christians use. When I did finally move to the city, my new neighbor was very knowledgeable about Islam and the Quran. He shared some of that wisdom with me. He ever would deliver to me a dish called Kheer , freshly made by his wife and especially prepare for my vegetarian needs on Muslim festival days. So, then I would send ‘payasam’ and ‘vadai’ on Hindu festival days.

Like a rainbow, I strongly believe that humanity comes in all forms, colors and beliefs. Each one of these is as valid as the other. For me, being Hindu, the Festival of Colors is not only meant for Hindu’s to celebrate, but a celebration celebrating our differences. May my friends wish come true.

Related posts:

1. Chennai’s Other Festival
2. The East Lothian City of Edinburgh in August
3. The DanceNOW Festival, New York City