Into India: Happy Holidays

Nestled at the foot of the Western Gnats, the controversy over at my alma mater, the University of Tennessee appeared pitiful at best. I don’t mean that the students and faculty are wasting their time fighting for a more inclusive environment. But rather that our representatives are making a mockery of the citizenry once again – by claiming that respecting all folks regardless of belief is discriminating against Christen values. I say this, not to be political, but because, quite frankly, from the other side of the globe, the idea that saying “holiday” rather than “Christmas” devalues the latter is absurd. And often “holiday” is the perfect blanket term.

For example, my holiday season began in September. Eid Al-Adhan kicked off my Indian holiday season, wherein the news broadcasted quick bits about the community celebrations. Given that there is a large Muslim population here, it isn't surprising.

Directly after Eid, a long slog of Hindu festivals took place, the first of which is popular in Maharashtra – Ganpati. Ganpati commemorates the deity of luck and strength, the elephant god Ganesh. Devotees polish their idols and visit the temple. Near our flat, a Jeep rolled by on a dirt-and-rock road, speakers blaring mantras and hymns, while a fragments of families followed behind, clapping their hands.

A few weeks after Ganpati, in early October, we attended a Durga Puja ceremony. This ten-day holy week is sacred among Bengalis, and so it symbolizes the triumph of Durga over a demon buffalo and his legion, which created havoc on earth. In Calcutta, there are year-round jobs dedicated to perfecting this festival. Like with many festivals, the final act of worship is to immerse the idol in water.

The ending of Durga Puja didn't hinder the holidays, however, as Diwali deals started to pop up everywhere. Diwali takes place in early November, and Hindus begin by putting up vibrant lights at their windows. I admit, I nearly called them Christmas lights. Fireworks erupt over the high rises as friends and family dressed in fine new clothes visit for good wishes and catching up.

Of course, the holidays don’t end with Diwali. Hanukkah approached quickly, with Christmas following at its heels. And while Hanukkah doesn't get as much coverage as the other holidays due to the minuscule population of Jews that have remained in India, there are still Jews who celebrate here.  There are even more Christians, and it wasn't long until the seasonal sells started advertising in the paper, and Christmas films were shown on television.

Don’t get me wrong, India isn't necessarily a haven for multiculturalism and inclusion – the emergence of Hindu-nationalist parties should imply that much. However, as the citizens feel free to celebrate their holidays, even in such close proximity to each other, it certainly brightens the landscape – with lights and lanterns and colorful clothes.

If anything, maybe the Tennessee legislature can take a look at how non-threatening inclusion really is, and how much more unified a community can become through understanding and respect.