The Festival of Us: Celebrating the Tapestry of India

The Festival of Us: Celebrating the Tapestry of India

Festivals in India are never just for one community. They are beautiful, shared invitations—opportunities to come together, exchange joy, and wish happiness upon friends, neighbours, and colleagues alike.

In the rhythm of our daily routines, festivals arrive as precious pauses. They are moments to cherish with loved ones, to rejuvenate our spirits, and to return to our lives with renewed happiness and hope. Every faith longs for—and deserves—this sacred break.

Ours is a land woven with festivals. We see a vibrant, luminous India during Diwali, a rooted and thankful India during Pongal, a reflective and devout India during Ramadan, and a joyful, colourful India during Christmas—and so many more. Each celebration adds a unique thread to our national tapestry.

Let us live as true Indians: accepting the cherry cake from a Christian friend at Christmas, sharing a bowl of chakra Pongal with Hindu friends during harvest, savouring an array of sweets for Diwali, delighting in the spiced delight of a Muslim friend’s bhai biryani, and gratefully sitting for langar at a gurudwara whenever hunger calls.

Lately, social media has echoed with divisive voices and hate in the name of religion. Let us not fall prey to these narratives. Behind them often lie agendas—of newsrooms seeking attention, or of those who trade in discord. We must remember: a truly religious person is a messenger of love and compassion, never a peddler of hate.

On this day, as church bells ring, cakes are baked, trees glow with lights, choirs lift their voices, and scriptures are recited in honour of Jesus, whose life was a testament to love and peace—I extend my warmest wishes to all.

May your Christmas be merry, your heart light, and our brotherhood enduring and peaceful.

M.L. Narendra Kumar

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