The Festive Season

Festivals, supposed to be times of joy, fun, breaking out of the routine and bringing people together. In today's modern world, that doesn't seem to be happening. Look at Dussera. So many idols of various Gods on 1,3,5,7,9, or maybe even 11 steps... dolls, idols, breakable! And when and old, worn idol with rusted nails breaks it brings great sadness. Hmmm... wierd! sadness over a bit of clay. Doesn't that seem silly.
Fighting! thats what hurts the most. One person wants something done in one way, and another in some other way. One person works, one helps, one doesnt, one gives a critical analysis. The critical analysis isn't taken very well which is obvious because who likes criticism after two long days hard work? The lazy daughter is chided... the son is let off scott free since he's the boy, and only the girl has to learn to do all of this so that when she gets married she'll be prepared, in case she gets and orthodox mother-in-law! The good daughter, helpful ofcourse is made to do little work, but ofcourse the lady of the house does do all the work, and so at the end of the day its understandable that she's tired and frustrated cos the market didn't have any nice new dolls. The nose was chipped, or the nose and mouth were blurred or rather smushed together, or it looked like the goddess had lipstick on, or this was broken, or that was cracked, or the paint wasn't nice! Well, i guess quality isn't really what it used to be! And at the end of the day, its supposed to all be for fun! I'm sorry, but I dont see the fun in this at all...
If this is what fun used to be, well maybe... 20 years ago. But now, I'd much rather be finishing a bio project or getting ready for an SUPW presentation that is due immediately after the holidays than sit around talking to friends who come once a year, just for this sake about things that dont really matter to me anymore. And ofcourse there's the singing. Some person who hasnt seem you in five years, "Why don't you sing a song dear. Something about (insert God's name)". Then when you patiently explain that you dont learn classical music along with reasons for why you stopped (cos u know that if u dont give reasons, questions are sure to come!) the person says, "Oh! Thats a pity. But i'm sure you remember some simple piece. It doesnt matter which God its about. I just want to hear your voice." As much as one wud be flattered that one's voice is in demand, singing something that you haven't sung for about 5 years now is no mean feat. You politely decline saying you're sorry but you don't really remember anything. Words go back and forth and finally after a few minutes the conversation changes track and you are thankfully forgotten. You quietly slip out of the room and lock yourself in yours, and decide to come out only after everyone's left. But ofcourse, the "return gifts" or whatever they're called, must be given, so out come the girls of the house! And the worst part is, this sort of routine goes on for 10 days!!
Its even worse if a small kid comes along. In my house the children are 16 and 21, so the house isnt really kid-proof. In the sense that, there are sharp objects lying around, like scissors and stuff. Also, there are a thousand breakable things and small objects lying all over the house. Entertaining the kid while trying to keep him or her away from all the "dangers" and trying to get a bit or worn in, can be a bit of a pain!!

The festive season... I'm still looking for the festivity in it. Call me anti-social, call me non-traditional... unfortunately... this is how i feel! When i grow up... festive seasons will be different... very different!