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Spreading smiles

Last evening, I was trying to get some rest, after whirling dervish throughout the week for Diwali celebration. The white, bulgy clouds floated in the sky and there was gentle rustle as the autumn breeze passing through the trees, flirted briefly with the leaves. I was transfixed, misty eyed with sheer abundance and slow calming of the season while the year begins to wind down. For me, autumn signifies new beginnings, renewal of intentions and the drive for change. I was contemplating on different aspects of my life and wondering if any change was needed. (I often slip in to that mode when I am alone and at peace) There was one observation that I had made during Diwali and I wish I could do something about it.


I have been to a few Diwali parties last week and one thing that got me thinking was conspicuous consumption and complete lack of moral repugnance towards waste of food, money and few other things. Each place I went to had huge spread of different courses. Half the food remained untouched and some also got wasted. When I learnt the details of the wastage, I cringed. I fail to understand that in a nation like ours where we have deaths due to starvation, how can we allow such criminal wastage? There is nothing wrong in being indulgent and hosting lavish parties but wasting food is absolutely unpardonable. There are so many places where one can give away food, why throw it? 


During Diwali and festival times, people receive so many gifts that sometimes they don't know what to do with them. One of my friends told me how difficult it was to accommodate all the gifts in her two bedroom house. When I suggested her to consider giving some of the gifts to less privileged people, she seemed little shocked. "They are gifts and so many emotions are attached to them" was the logic given to me. Agreed, but one can at least give away some old stuff to find space for the new. Why are we so greedy about holding on to things? 


I understand how painful it is to part with so many beautiful things and if they are carefully chosen for us it becomes emotionally difficult. But, instead of stashing them away for "future use" or "special occasions" why not donate them to some orphanage or old age homes? Over the years, I have conveyed my family and friends not to spend mindlessly on gifts for me. I had to meet fervent opposition initially but they soon realized that I would be happier if they spent their money on someone in need instead of blowing it on buying me some exotic stuff that matches my taste. 


Festivals are not always about buying things. They are about being thankful for one's blessings and sharing them. It is only from people who are much blessed, more is expected. There is absolutely nothing wrong in enjoying one's blessings and being indulgent to the core. But, at no point, one can forget that while we fret over our "problems" like; which interesting cuisines to include or which exotic wines to serve while inviting over people for parties, there are millions of people who haven't had a meal even during the festival days. 


Happiness, they say, is doubled when shared and there is no joy like bringing smile on someone's face. I believe in it completely! 

Raghurajpur, an emblem of heritage arts and crafts of Odisha!!!

About fifteen km from the revered city of Lord Jagannath, Puri, there is a tiny little hamlet Raghurajpur, nestled on the southern bank of r...