Holi with colors of harmony, irrespective of religion Poetry written during Mughal era consists a Secular narrative of Holi festival Falguni Shrivastava In the 13th century, Amir Khusrau (1253–1325) is said to have written many verses in celebration of Holi. [ksywaxh gksyh] [kktk ?kj vk;s] /ku /ku Hkkx gekjs ltuh] [kktk vk;s vk¡xu esjsA (I shall play Holi as Khaaja has come home,blessed is my fortune, O friend, as Khaaja has come to my courtyard)
Jaipur. There were no barriers of caste, class or religion on the occasion of Holi, and even the poorest of the poor could throw colour at the Emperor. gksjh [ksywaxh] dg fcfLeykg] uke uch dh jRu pjh] cw¡n iM+h vYykg vYykgA (I start playing Holi with a Bismillah. Covered with the light of Prophet’s name,Showered by blessings of Allah.) When someone says that celebrating Holi in Islam is haram, be-
cause colour is prohibited in Islam. Then answer is Bulleh Shah. Its the 18th-century Punjabi mystic Bulleh Shah’s words above provide the perfect frame for the centuries-old culture, our Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb that is under threat from fundamentalists of both religions. As it turns out, Islam does not prohibit colour: it’s just that when we perform our act of washing oneself for namaz, water should touch the skin, so there should be no colour at that point. Wash the Holi colours away before praying. It’s simple.
Photo Feature
Holi in Jaipur
Some glimpses of Holi celebration at Govind Dev ji Temple
Jaipur. Colors of Music. Colors of
Rhythmic gestures. Colors of Holi Celebration. Its Vibrant Holi Celebration at Govind Dev ji Temple.
Krishna, his beloved Radha and many Gopis as appeared alive on stage.It was an appealing pictorial musical interpretation of Krishna era.
The Mughal Emperor Akbar encouraged fusion and tolerance. During his rule, all festivals were celebrated with equal gusto and it was a practice that was followed by all his successors barring Aurangzeb. In the 16th century, Ibrahim Raskhan (1548-1603) wrote: vkt gksjh js eksgu gksjh dky gekjs vk¡xu xkjh ns vk;ks] lks dksjh] vcds nwj cSBs eS¸;k Bhax] fudklks dq¥~t fcgkjhA (Its Holi, Mohan, its Holi today Who was it who came yesterday to our courtyard and swore at us Now you hide behind your mother, far away , Oh come out Kunj Bihari) Emperor joins in Bahudar Shah Zafar (1775–1862) would join the celebration with great gusto and enthusiasm and mingle with his subjects. He wrote a song for the occasion: D;w¡ eksis ekjh] jax dh fipdkjh]
ns[k dqaojth] nw¡xh xkjhA (Why have you filled me with colour? O Kunwarji, I will swear at you!) Hkkt ldwa eSa dSls] ekslks Hkktks ugha tkr] FkkaMh vc ns[kw¡ eSa ckadks dkSu tks lqu eq[k vkrA (I can’t run, I am unable to run I am now standing here and want to see who can drench me) cgqr fnuu esa gkFk yxs gks] dSls tkus nwa] vkt eSa Qxok rk lkS dkUgk QsVk idM+ dj ysm¡A (After many days have I caught you, how can I let you go I will catch you by your cummerbund and play Holi with you) ‘kks[k jax ,slh <hB yaxkj lkS [kSys dkSu vc gksjh] eq[k ehMkbZ vkSj gkFk ejksM+s] djds oks ctjksjhA (Who can play Holi with such a mischievous Kanha My face you have coloured and my wrist you have twisted in your playfulness) Nazeer Akbarabadi (1735–1830) was the “People’s Poet” who wrote: tc Qkxqu jax >edrs gks] rc ns[k cgkjs gksyh dh] tc MQ ds ‘kksj [kM+drs gks] rc ns[k cgkjs gksyh dh] ifj;ksa ds jax nedrs gks] rc ns[k cgkjs gksyh dhA Mehjoor Lakhnavi (1798-1818) in
Fun Facts
Commentary The Feeling of being “Colored” hangs over in a Festival of Colors Aditya Pareek
In an infantile globalising economy everyone
was after a piece of the “riches” pie, policies of liberalisation and the forces of free market had just been unleashed after five decades of Nehruvian Socialism that stagnated not only economic growth but enforced a lower standard of living among the majority of the population even by 3rd world standards. The rift between the rich and the poor widened like the jaws of a blood letting clamp In the chaos and whining shrieks of predominately leftist higher echelons of power ,a new form of order, a sign of prosperity rose in the wake of the desperate reforms, the emergence of a “Higher Middle Class”, a strata of society that could afford the products that the newly globalised economy had on offer. With the freemarket came “Choice” something that took our society by storm but the stark contrast between the well oiled machine of mostly homogeneous societies of the west that commanded on the world stage absolute capitalist hegemonic dominance enforced by economic prosperity and excess versus the inherent dysfunction of our dwindling and destitute “mixed” socialist system bred on the centuries old “white Man Burden Complex” put into the collective psyche by The Colonial Administration’s Racist Policies and Rhetoric. The So called “Nationalists” in the Indian National Congress agitating towards the goal of India’s right to self determination and Independence were no less a party to the propagation of the self hate that was in those days deeply ingrained after centuries of foreign rule under the dominant European power, Great Britain.
his book Nawab Syadat Ali Ki Majlis-e-Holi talks at aspect of Holi; xqytkj f[kys gks ifj;ksa ds] vkSj etfyl dh rS;kjh gks] diM+ksa ij jax ds NhVksa ls] [kq’kjax vtc xqydkjh gksA Shah Niaz’s (1742-1834) Holi song has been made continuing by Sufi singer Abida Parveen; gksyh gks; jgh gS vgen] ft;k ds }kj] gtjkr vyh dk jax cuks gS] glu gqlSu f[kykjA (Holi is being played at beloved Ahmad’s doorsteps Hazrat Ali has become the colour and Hasan and Husain are playing.) In the 13th century Amir Khusrau (1253–1325) had celebrated the festival of Holi with what is one of his most popular qawwalis today; vkt jax gS jh ek jax gS jh] vkt jax gS jh ek jax gS jh] esjs [oktk ds ?kj] jax gS jhA This is one of the most delightful, colorful festivals of India which aims at making people unite. There is so much to write but, tks dgw¡ cgqr] FkksM+h gS jfl;k] vkt fcjt esa gksyh js jfl;k] gksjh gS js jfl;k] cjtksjh gS js jfl;kA There can be no better ending, than Gauhar Jaan singing: esjs gtjr us enhus esa eukbZ gksyhA
A witness to this phenomenon as an impressionable young child I came across many’a advertisement that blatantly crossed the threshold of casual cultural chauvinism all in good fun against their own target demography. One example stands out, without going into particulars the commercial was supposed to project an air of elitism and premiere social standing around “plastic currency”, to achieve this the commercial sank to baiting its audience to a level where the old wound of the anglo-saxon colonial administration inflicted was scraped at, all just to spawn a market for their product. The brief plot features a couple dressed in western clothes holding hands on their way to the bank, they stumble upon a band of merry making people with a figurative and all too literal air of color around them, emerging from their midst the couple are now drenched in the signature “colors of Holi” their clothes that until a few minutes ago represented a gold standard of modernity, now made them “unwashed cretins”, upon reaching the bank they are almost turned away by the guard at the door with an expression of disgust at the couple’s appearance until they reach into their pockets and produce a shinning “Credit/Debit Card” which instantaneously changes the Guard’s facial expression and voilà the door swings open with a welcoming chime. Such a shameless display of the self hate complex that iron grips Indian Society Made me shudder as a child and haunts my conscience to this day. Perhaps the various regulatory bodies have since curbed such content but the damage to an entire generation is done.
1. The Universe is expanding by 70km (43 miles) every second! 2. The tallest mountain on Earth is Mauna Kea in Hawaii, which rises 10,205m (33,480 ft.) from its base on the seabed to its summit. 3. Arabian or Dromedary Camels can go for months drinking, and then consume 60 litres of water in just in a few minutes. 4. Snow is made up of such tiny particles, sliding past each other that they act as a lubricant, that’s why you can ski down it. 5. The Thermin is an electronic musical instrument, that is played without even touching it. To play, you must move your hands around various antennas to control the pitch and volume.
Cartoon Corner
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Page 02 THE MESSAGE
Seven Colors of Holi on Silver Screen Hindi Cinema and essence of Holi festival
Do you need a hat for the Dubai World Cup? World cup all set to start from 25th March
Falguni Shrivastava Jaipur. Hindi Cinema and Holi Songs have a long history. Either Romantic movie like “Silsila” or Cult Action movie like “Sholay”, Holi songs of these movies set a tone to celebrate vibrant colors of holi festival till today. Here are some classical examples, narrating Eternal songs of Hindi Cinema. 1. Rang Barse -Silsila (1981)
The sizzling chemistry between Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha onscreen makes this Holi song evergreen. Written by Dr.Harivansh Rai Bachchan and gracefully shot by Yash Chopra, Rang Barse is still the most-played song during Holi festivals. 2. Holi ke din – Sholay (1975)
3. Aaj na Chodenge – Kati Patang
Visually, this song is one of the most innovative and colorful songs created in Bollywood. Actress Sandhya`s take on the double role of both the male and female characters in the song is phenomenal. So much that the dance sequences are aped even today.
8.Soni Soni- Mohabbatein (2000)
6. Ang se ang- Darr (1993) The flamboyant Rajesh Khanna not only just spreads colors in this song, but also magic through his subtle dance movements. Coupled with energetic singing by Kishore Kumar, “Aaj na chhodenge” is the perfect song to set that flirtatious mood.
“Soni Soni” celebrates the budding love between the 3 lead couples in this Holi song. Shahrukh Khan provides the energy and the Holi spirit with the 3 couples and Anupam Kher for company.
4. Balam Pichkari – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
9. Holi khele Raghuveera – Baghbaan (2003)
The newest entry in the list of Holi songs, “Balam Pichkari”, works because of its awesome rhythm and fun beats. It will make your feet tap and the Holi mood will get stronger and stronger.
“Ang se Ang lagana” is a Holi song that fits well into the plot of the movie. The wonderful chemistry between the ever cute Juhi Chawla and Sunny Deol, coupled with Anupam Kher makes this a cheerful addition to the Holi playlist. 7. .Holi ayee re kanhayee- Mother India (1957)
5. Aare ja re hat natkhat – Navrang (1959)
Holi ke din is another song on everyone’s Holi playlist. This song is perfect celebratory song for your Holi dance.
One of the best classic Holi songs which captures the true spirit of Holi celebrations.
International
Pak PM Sharif orders immediate removal of blasphemous content Islamabad High Court last week directed Government to remove alleged anti-Islam material. Jaipur.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today ordered authorities to take immediate action against blasphemous content on the social media and remove sacrilegious contents and punish the perpetrators, days after a high court order. “Those behind this heinous crime should be dealt with, without any delay,” Sharif ordered Federal Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan. “The blasphemous content on social media is a nefarious conspiracy to hurt the religious sentiments of entire Muslim ummah (community),” he was quoted as saying. He also ordered to take necessary actions in accordance with the judicial guidelines issued by the court.
“Those responsible for blasphemy should be traced and punished according to the law,” he said. The Islamabad High Court judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui last week directed the interior ministry to take actions against Facebook pages with alleged anti-Islam material. Sharif said that accountability of those who misuse the blasphemy law for their personal interests should be ensured. He asked the relevant departments to approach international social media platforms to put the blasphemous content off the internet. Meanwhile, Pakistans National Assembly today passed a unanimous resolution condemning the sacrilegious contents appearing on social media and agreed to constitute a
ten-member committee to monitor such content. The lower house also agreed that, if required, the government should take legislative action against those posting blasphemous content on social media. The resolution said that the “objectionable material is hurting the sentiments of the Muslims.” The House adopted a motion authorising Speaker National Assembly to constitute a ten-member special committee to suggest measures for blocking the sacrilegious and blasphemous material on social media and action against the responsible persons for this crime. Blasphemy is very sensitive issue in Pakistan and those accused of it become an easy target for extremists.
Lyricist Sameer brought out his best lyrics for this rustic Holi song. Apart from celebrating Holi, this song brings in the missing rural touch in the words which elevates the song to a whole new level.
Jaipur.
The Dubai World Cup is scheduled for Saturday, March 25, and fancy headgear is a must for all female attendees. But with little variety in term of hats and fascinators available in your usual retail stores, it can be difficult to find the perfect piece to complement your race-day outfit. If you have tickets to the Dubai World Cup, but are still without a hat, head to BurJuman Mall’s annual International Millinery Exhibition, which is taking place from March 16 to 24. The event will feature more than 500 different headpieces and fascinators, and will take place in the mall’s new extension. This is the 16th edition of the BurJuman International Millinery Exhibition. This year, you can shop designs from Marilena Romeo Millinery, Itam by King’s Signature, Liza Georgia Millinery, Cynthia Jones-Bryson and more. “The BurJuman International Millinery Exhibition has everything from show-stopping statement pieces to elegant accompaniments, ensuring the perfect accompaniment for every style and budget,” says a representative from BurJuman. The exhibition is open from 10am to 10pm, from March 16 to 24.
Fiction
Zero Shot Down : The Fall
Aditya Pareek
One such man stood out among them ,
ironically i never could get his name but he always pronounced mine like he was an anglo-saxon aristocrat with an education in European literature , not exaggerating at all. This individual hardly past puberty was the jester of his platoon from what i could understand in their cryptic tongue , he wasn’t exactly trained to fly , instead he was charged in his official role as the brooms-man for the deck and carrier . A job he did with the sincerest of his concentration mixed with the humorous wit from the sharp of his tongue , many a scars from lashings were awarded to him by the Japanese officers from time to time but this fellow just could not help himself no matter how painful the “backlashes” were, he was not a jester by choice but by nature . I remember the day he finally graduated to a zero , although the atmosphere aboard the vessel was cataclysmic at the time , yet i couldn’t help but gaze for several moments at the halo of this young man strapping himself in this growling shell of death , ready to honor his existence by extinction and to thus achieve
Contd.
salvation. Like a proud parent i saw him perishing in the countless flames in the pacific sky that day , yet my eyes were only set on finding him, no matter how much i tried to focus , the enemy’s line of fire kept forcing us into the shades of the deck , where i couldn’t track who for who worth shit. Last thing i remember before waking up in an American military hospital , is a growling lion leaping at me with its claws reaching awkwardly, as if they were detached feathers , amputating the skulls of my men-at-arms in the shades. First it flung at the iron cross on my uniform and then it tore away a chunk off my abdomen before knocking me over the rails . I remember falling , A lion falling. A zero falling with no slant eyed devil to bear my place in this misery . Charged with crimes against humanity ,i now lie here staring in the face of death , hoping you to be my messenger to a world i lost in the battle of the pacific . Verbatim present them this memoir , for fiction , hearsay and truth only have a thin border among their boundaries .
Sub Editors: Aditya Pareek , Layout Designer: Pandit Amandeep, Chief Sub-Editor: Shailendra Pratap Singh Bhati,Editor: Dr. Neeraj Khattri , DISCLAIMER: The views reserved and opinions expressed in this paper are author(s) own and the facts reported by them have been verified to the extent possible, and the publisher are not in any liable for the same. This is for internal circulation only. Please send your valuable suggestions and feedback on ; themessage@jecrcu.edu.in