Yesterday we were having a discussion about festivals. I cannot remember how that came up, but we couldn't agree on which constitutes New Years for the Hindus. Some mentioned Deepavali, which is actually the Festival of Lights - different from New Year. Then an interesting question popped up - Deepavali is not THE new year, then how is it, there is no extra public holiday on the calendar?
Imagine that, we, a supposedly multi-cultural society, has been reduced to recognition of tradition by the days we do not work!
See, that's the reason why I do not celebrate commercialised occasions. Gone are the days when we get excited about buying new clothes, sleeping in new pjs, to welcome the Lunar New Year.
Is that the price we pay for economic success?
I still have to confirm this argument, since I am not a Hindu - although I do have friends who observe the Hindu customs. My colleagues know Thaipusam, Deepavali and I am sure, when my other gf mentioned the 'indian' new year, she didn't mean either of these.
So the next obvious question will be:
Why is this New Year so low key?
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