Recently Amitabh Bachchan addressed the audience in Cannes Film Festival in Hindi, because they were celebrating the hundred years of Indian Cinema. A fine gesture no doubt. But all the Indian media persons thereafter asked him questions in English and he was also replying in English about the 'great' feat of him having spoken in Hindi to international audience in Cannes, France. What can be more ironical than it. In all awards ceremonies for Hindi language fil films the language used is English. More irony.

There was a time when Hindi movies had the title and important contributors names presented in both Hindi and English. The name of the film was also shown in Urdu language. But now there is no Urdu and what is more painful is the fact that nine out of ten movies the titles are in only one language and you guessed it right in English. Even certain explanations or warnings etc are given only in English almost always.

This fascination for English needs to be probed further. In the food market now most of the vegetables are known by their English names. Whenever I have asked the vendor to give me 'phoolgobi', invariably they look up at me to confirm whether am asking for 'flower' a short form of cauliflower.Or 'patagobi' is now known as kobij a slang for cabbage. "Simla mirch' is now known as capsicum even in rural markets. No one asks to be given a kilo of 'murghi' it is always chicken. No one asks for 'jhingas' it is always prawns. Similarly increasingly one asks for fish and not for 'machchi'. Almost all fruits are known by their English names. Even the fruit sellers now say banana for 'kela' or plum for 'aadu'. In most of the shops in price list the items are written in their English names even when these are written in vernacular languages. English has made deep inroads in our society.

The other day I went into a shop and found a typical old lady at the counter. Thinking that she  maybnot understand me properly I asked her forv a 'lifafa' in Hindi. Almost with a contemptuous look at me she asked me did I mean a 'cover' for putting money to be given as a gift. A friend of mine recently told me that if you want to ask little children their name etc you must ask them in their mother tongue English.Try asking them 'tumhara naam kya hai' and chances are very high that you'll get a blank look but ask 'what is your name' and see how fast the tiny tots will reply. Indeed English is becoming the mother tongue of increasing number of Indians.

The sign boards of shops are now universally in English  and in a few cases the local language is also used  alongside in small letters. One can see this in hundreds of shops in Mumbai. The Hindi language which is supposed to be the Rashtrabhasha is rarely used.Admission pamphlets for local language schools are also distributed in English language! The language of business is entirely now in English. Even the government controlled TV channels are broadcasting more programs in English.

About a year back when I looked up to check what Hindi movies are running in my town, I was in for a big surprise. I do not recall all the names but out of ten Hindi movies nine had their names in English Like 'Cocktail', 'My Name is khan','Wake Up Sid", making me feel as if I was in a foreign country. Many times I find it comical that English movies names are translated into Hindi to attract local audiences and our movies are titled in English language.

Most of the time when 'educated' Indians want to make things clear to each other they do so in English. Almost always when we meet strangers in trains or planes we talk in English at first. English is almost now becoming our national language and Hindi is going into the background without a fight.It is both humorous and sad to see young parents talking to their children exclusively in English in public places. It almost seems that increasingly talking in local language is now going out of fashion. 

English is seen as a vehicle of advancement in one's career in jobs. Itis also seen as a passport to better life both in India and abroad. It is the language of Information Technology. One sees many advertisements in media inviting persons to learn how to speak in English. I do not recall ever seeing an ad for improving one's local language skills.From time to time some persons and few  political parties make a noise about curbing of English language but without success. Hardly anyone supports them. Some years back I read in a paper that many municipal schools in Mumbai are closing down, because the children of even housemaids are now going to private English medium schools.

English is the language of commerce in India and abroad and is able to get one a job which is the biggest priority in life. Rest follows it. So it is natural everyone would like to study in English medium. Also we have to accept the fact that no Indian language has developed  its understanding of science, engineering or medical or management etc fields.This has therefore resulted in them loosing their attractions for students. If the three language formula is not enforced the  only language children will like to  study will be English.

One is not against the spread of English in India. That language which enables one to get a earning will always become popular. But it is the non use of one's mother tongue or local languages which I feel is sad. Because it is one's mother tongue that binds one to the soil and culture of the place one is born in. Without it one is almost rudderless in one's own country. It almost makes one a foreigner in one's own country.The generation of grandparents who were born in the  early forties and fifties is vanishing. The present generation is mostly nuclear family based and are being brought up in a language which howsoever widespread it may become is not Indian and does not give  one the flavours of Indian culture. As they say 'us mein apnapan nahin hai'. Social leaders should give a thought to arrest this trend whereby our younger generations are increasingly becoming alienated in their own country.

I also feel odd advocating the increased use of Indian languages in an English language article. That is the tragedy. 

What does annaprashan mean?

Annaprashan is derived from the Sanskrit word, which means, "eating of the grain". It is the baby's first rice eating ceremony. It is known by different names in different states and countries. In Bengal it is known as "mukhe bhaat or mama bhaat", in Kerala it is known as "choroonu" and in the Garhwal hills it is known as "bhaatkhulai". It is a very popular ceremony of the Hindus. Annaprashan brings a new enjoyment in baby's life. From this day the baby start to intake the solid food. Now onwards the parents of the baby started to introduce other food into the baby's diet. However, this ritual differs from culture to culture.

Why is annaprashan performed?

This ceremony is organized in many families to include the solid food into baby's diet replacing the liquid one. This is organized when the baby attains six months or seven months. Generally, in Hindu custom when a girl child attains seven month and the boy child attain six month the family organize this ceremony. It is said that annaprashan for girl child is held in odd months and for the boy child in even month.

Where can one perform the annaprashan?

This occasion can be organized at home or some people arrange in the temple. However, many parents wanted to celebrate it in a grand way and as such they hire a hall, community centre or even those who have enough space at home they prefer to arrange it at home only. But before organizing the party one must contact a priest who will help in the rituals.

How it is performed?

This ceremony cannot be performed in any day. Before planning for this occasion, one must consult with the priest who will help to find the particular date and time for the rituals. On this day, the baby is dressed in new clothes and jewellery. The family member organizes a special puja. The brother of the baby's mother called "mama" feed the first food into baby's mouth. On this day, friends and relatives are invited to the give blessings to the baby.

Many games are also organized for the small children who can enjoy this day. The family member for the baby also arranges a special game. Many items such as books, pen, money, jewellery, food, toys etc are kept in a large tray or banana leaf and placed in front of the baby. From these items, the baby picks any item. Whichever item the baby will pick in the hand it is said that he/she would have interest for it in future. Everybody encourage the baby in this game.

What kind of foods is cooked for the baby during annaprashan?

Different types of food are cooked and offered in front of the baby. However, as a Prasad, "kheer or payesh" made with milk and rice is served compulsory. The baby is first feed this kheer and enters into the solid food. In Bengal beside "kheer", they also cooked dal, rice, meat, fish, vegetable fries, sweets etc. These are served in front of the baby. Especial arrangement of foods is prepared for the guest who arrives in this occasion.

Tips for safe annaprashan.

1. Here I am sharing few tips, which will help the baby to enjoy this special occasion.
2. Parents must be careful about the rest of the baby. The baby should take enough rest before the occasion.
3. Try to invite only close friends and relatives. Too much crowd can overwhelmed the baby.
4. Try to choose light clothes for the baby. If it is summer, then prefer to choose only cotton clothes and in winter protect your baby with warm clothes.
5. Keep in mind that before feeding your baby one must wash their hands properly.
6. Try to maintain the hygiene. Cook baby's food in neat and clean place.
7. Keep a towel or handkerchief in front of you to wipe your baby's mouth.
8. Do not force the baby to eat. Try to feed the baby little food as too much of eating can make your baby uncomfortable.
9. If you organize, "sacrificial fire or havan" make sure that you keep your baby far from the fire and open the doors and windows to allow the smoke to pass out easily.
10. Arrange some interesting games for the children so that they will not feel bore.
11. Arrange some return gifts for the children, which will make children happy.
12. Do not forget to click photographs and record the moment.

Image source- Wikipedia

What is Godh Bharai?

Godh Bharai is a type of ritual in many Hindu families where it is celebrated to welcome the arrival of the unborn baby safely who still lay in their mother's womb and family member bless the mother for her motherhood and protect her from the evil eyes, ghosts and other evil spirits. Godh Bharai simply means, "Fill the lap" with all the happiness of the world. It is known by different names in different countries and state. People of Bengal call it Shaad, in Tamil Nadu it is known as Valaikappu and in Kerala, it is called Seemandham.

When is Godh Bharai done?

It is mostly celebrated when a women is pregnant. However, it depends mainly on the family. In many families, there is no ritual of celebrating Godh Bharai. However, in Bengali culture two times the Godh Bharai of pregnant women are celebrated. When the women attained the fifth month, their mother-in-law celebrates this ritual and at ninth month, the women mother organized this Godh Bharai function. But in many other culture when the women completes seventh month they celebrate this by organizing a small puja in the house. It totally varies from culture to culture.

How it is performed?

It totally depends upon the culture of the different countries and its people. Still it is mostly the same in every culture where the family members and others gathers together in the house and bless the pregnant women and her baby and gives gifts to the new would be mother. In many families, they celebrate this occasion in a grand way. On this day many pregnant women wear new clothes especially sari and wore ornaments made of flower and the family member organizes a small puja.

Generally, on this occasion only women are allowed to join. This is the happiest ceremony for the pregnant women and for the entire family. On this day would be mother were given jewellery to wear and also wear bangles and fill the lap of the would be mother with different types of sweets, fruits and prepare different varieties of food and put the foods in front of the pregnant women and allow her to eat those food. On this day, the women perform singing, dancing, and play different tricks and funny jokes with the new mother. Different types of games are also organized and many suggest the names for the unborn baby.

Tips for enjoyable Godh Bharai

Godh Bharai is the very special and the happy occasion for the entire family of the pregnant women. Through this occasion, family member meet each other and take out sometime from their busy schedule to join this occasion and enjoy the very special moments. Therefore, here are some tips, which I share with you all to make this occasion more enjoyable and special for the family members as well as the new mother, friends and guests.

1. The women especially the pregnant women must take proper rest before the ceremony because on this day it is impossible to get proper rest. Therefore it is better to take much rest just before the day of the occasion.

2. Often on this occasion pregnant women had to wear heavy dress. Some prefer to wear lehenga, heavy work sari or even heavy embroidered salwar suit, as pregnant women were the main attraction of this occasion. Therefore, to look good they choose to wear this type of dress. Therefore, it is better to wear light clothes, which make women more comfortable and feel easy to move.

3. Different types of food are prepared on this day. Try to avoid the foods, which is not comfortable for the women to eat. Eat as much as light food, which will not harm the women and the unborn baby in the womb.

4. On this day family member organize various programmes. Therefore, to entertain the guest's one can hire some women who are expert in henna and doing mehendi designs on hands and feet. This attracts many women and they love to do this tattoos and designs on their hands and feet.

5. Return gifts can also be arranged for the guests who gather in the house on this occasion. So as a return gift one could give the guests a box of sweets, designer bangles, purse, perfume or arrange for the goody bags which will contain handkerchief, bindi, clip, lipstick, sindur and a packet of dry mehendi etc to their guests.

Conclusion

It is really a very occasion for the full family when they eagerly wait for the baby. Many of them take out time from their rush schedule and wanted to stay with the pregnant women to give her the company until her baby comes to this world. Therefore, it is a very special day for the mum who carries her baby for nine months in her womb. Whose eyes always wait for the baby to be born and makes the mum more proud and feel her some especial. 

For the enthusiastic people living in Imphal Holi festival is a time to relax and chill out. Here, the Holi festival is celebrated for five days. Most of the institutes including the education institutions and media remain close for these five days. Even the markets look deserted particularly on the first two days.Many different activities are organised during these five days. However, over the last few years many changes have taken place in the way it is celebrated.

One major changes that took place is the fund rising program for organising holi. Funds are required in large amount for the various activities that are held during these five days. In the past, funds were collected by seeking donations from each household in the locality. At present, it has become a trend to raise the funds by organizing ‘housie’ game. The tickets for housie are sold to each and every household in the locality. Often, people from other localities too participate in housie. The housie are held two- three days before the holi begins. Apart from the fund raising program, changes have also taken place in the participations of other activities associated with the Holi celebration. Some gained popularity while others lost their charm. Here I discuss some of these trends:

Playing with colours:

Like in other parts of India, people play with colour during holi. It begins from the second day of the festival. However, it has gradually losing its importance. In the past, both children and adults used to enjoy playing with colour. They not only played among themselves but would also seek out others who would be hiding. People would enthusiastically apply coloured powder on others and sometimes drench them by pouring buckets of coloured water on them.  But nowadays it is mostly the small children and teenagers who play with colours. Most of the adults avoid playing with colour. But for those who like to play with colours one of the favourite past-time during holi is to fill balloons with coloured water and throw it on unsuspecting people, especially strangers. Small children also like to play with pichkaari and water pistols.

Seeking donation:

On the evening of the first day children gather for worship at the place where the shack is built. Little girls wear the traditional wrapper round and drape a chunni and carry small money bag with them. The boys also wear their best dress. After worshipping Gouranga Mahaprabhu, the shack is burnt. Right after the shack is burnt, the children go to each house in small groups and seek donations. They would call out’ Nakadheng’ after which the owner would give money of small denomination. After receiving the money, it is customary for the children to bless the owner of the house with prosperity and happiness. It is believed that if the children return empty handed from the house, the owner would not prosper that year. So, even the poorest would give money. The group would then use the money for merry making. However, even this custom is slowly dying. In the past, children used to go for the ‘nakadheng’ till the last day of holi. Often they would visit the houses of their acquaintances from nearby localities for nakadheng. But nowadays it is done mostly on the evening of the first day and the early morning of the second day.

Conducting Sports:

Conducting sports during the holi festival became very popular in the recent years. In the past it was not held with so much enthusiasm as is done at present. The sports usually begin on the second day and ends on the last day. In most localities it begins with the torch rally. The flame for the torch is brought from the historical Kangla fort. Most of the localities take care to ensure participation by maximum number of individuals by organizing the events for different category such as children, young girls, married women, couples, male etc. Apart from the usual track and field events like 100 m race, 200 m race, marathon, shot put etc, competitions in many indigenous games are also held. For instance, yubi lakpi or coconut snatching, climbing bamboo stem, pot race etc. One of the most popular games is the tug of wars organized for the married women. Usually, women of other nearby localities are invited for the tug of war events. No doubt, the raising popularity of such sport events are responsible for the decreas participations in eother activities such as playing with colour or going for the nakadheng. Most of the children reach the venue early in the morning and stay till the end.

Cultural and literary events:

It is another event which is gaining popularity in the recent past. These events are held in the evening. Quiz show, spelling competitions, drawing competitions, poem recitations etc are some of the events for literary competitions. The cultural programs include dance competitions based on film and album songs. Fancy dress competitions are also held. Often members of the locality would invite talented people from other localities to showcase their talents.

Holi Pala:

Holi Palas are the group of devotional singers who sing songs based on Lord Krishna and Radha. Each group has members of around 20. The group consists of either all male members or female singers accompanied by 2-3 male dholak players. Dholak and the cymbals are the only musical instruments used during holi pala. The group sings the song in some selected household. The female members wear white blouse, carnation pink traditional wrapper round and drape a white coloured cloth while the male members wear a white or saffron kurtas and white dhoti. Each member may hang a pink or saffron coloured cloth over the white cloth. Incense sticks are burned and offerings are made to the God before the group starts singing. It is one of the events whose popularity has not diminished with time.

Thabal Chongba:

It is the folk dance organized especially during holi festival. It can be organized during any of the five days. The young men and women hold their hands and move in circle in the ground while dancing in the rhythm of drums. It begins from around five in the evening and continues till around 10 p.m. It is customary for the ladies to wear the formal dress consisting of blouse, traditional wrapper round with horizontal stripped pattern and a half sari. As the men are mostly from other locality they do not have any dress code. The males of the locality join the dance in the beginning and towards the ends while in between they as the volunteer to ensure that everything is organized smoothly. Earlier it used to continue till very late past midninght. But since last decade or so, it has become a tradition to end it by 10 p.m

Source of the photo: personal collection