Every year, as Holi approaches, a familiar chorus begins – complaints about how people should be allowed to stay away from the festival, how colours shouldn’t be thrown on the unwilling, and how faiths must be protected from a little playful splatter. Really? Are our beliefs so delicate that a pinch of gulal or a splash of coloured water threatens their sanctity?
At other times, we take great pride in Ganga-Jamuna tehzeeb, that rich confluence of cultures, but when it comes to Hindu festivals – Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, or Durga Puja – some people suddenly develop a selective intolerance. Noise complaints emerge processions are labelled a nuisance, and even the distribution of prasad is eyed suspiciously. The very people who advocate communal harmony when it suits them suddenly become staunch defenders of faith when it involves Hindu festivities.
The selective tolerance problem
Hindus, by and large, are inclusive by nature. They happily participate in Eid feasts, attend Christmas celebrations, and enjoy Langar at Gurudwaras without hesitation. If they are invited, they partake in the food, blessed as per the customs of the host, without questioning its religious sanctity.
But try offering a simple piece of prasad during a Hindu festival, and suddenly it is scrutinised. Even innocuous ladoos from a temple can be refused under the pretext of religious purity. Where is the reciprocity? Why is inclusion a one-way street?
Standing in another’s place
During my time with Gulf News in Dubai, there was a prayer room in our office basement. I accompanied a Muslim colleague there, performed wuzu, and outwardly followed the salah rituals. But within, I was chanting my Hindu prayers. Did that make me any less Hindu? Of course not.
Similarly, in school, I attended church services in a British-era church – out of curiosity and respect. I’ve visited mosques too. None of these experiences diluted my faith. If anything, they broadened my understanding and deepened my spiritual confidence.
If faith is strong, why the fear?
It is worth asking: if a mere colour splash on Holi, the sound of dandiya during Navratri, or a Ganesh Visarjan procession can shake your faith, was it strong to begin with?
In many parts of North India, Muslim families joyfully play Holi, just as many Hindus join Eid gatherings. In West Bengal, Durga Puja is an all-community affair. In Mumbai, Hyderabad and other places, Ganesh Chaturthi sees people from all walks of life participating. These festivals have historically been inclusive and unifying, not divisive. But the moment intolerance creeps in, we weaken the very foundation of our cultural coexistence.
Can we be more open-hearted?
I remain a devout Hindu, yet I take no offense when others celebrate their traditions around me. I have enjoyed Christmas cakes, relished haleem during Ramadan, and Eid biryani, and appreciated the solemnity of a Good Friday service.
So, why does the Holi splash, the Navratri beats, or the Ganesh visarjan dhol suddenly become a matter of offence?
The sky isn’t going to fall if a little colour touches you. But if intolerance continues to rise, we might just end up losing something far more valuable – our ability to coexist with grace and goodwill.