The fact is that Hindu-India is a very unequal society but probably no one is to blame for it. Hindus since their inception have the widest distributions and Hindu social caste system based on birth formally formalized the distinctions, differences, asymmetries and inequalities present in the society at that time. I am never critic of Brahmins or Brahmanism but at the same time I fully admit to the purposefulness of the saying, ‘Only wearer knows where the shoe pinches’. But then in this caste and color conscious dominated Hindu society, India has Krishna, a dark incarnation of Vishnu, raised in a cowman Yadav family, as its Ishvara. Wait a minute he preached Gita; the highest manifestation of Brahmanism espousing high color consciousness and caste values. But then Krishna played Holi as well. It is these festivals which create a bond between a privileged India and not-so. Holi is definitely the biggest of such festivals. I tell you I am not rich at all but Deepawali, though the national festival of India if one is to be chosen, is for rich people to celebrate. If you shop or watch television during Deepawali you can understand the power of money and greed to have it. But despite of playing Holi Krishna doesn’t espouse equality. In fact, Rama does it better and in a more sophisticated way. He is the investor while Krishna is mediator and preacher. But still Hindu festivals have attraction and lure for most of its followers. At least for few days in a year India becomes more equal but sure, not free from the shackles of age-old traditions. Before, anyone may misinterpret me let me tell very frankly that economic equality is impossible even in fully homogeneous societies all around the Universe. And social and religious equality is not possible in Hindu-based societies. Hindus have a great tradition of caste promotion whereby newcomers to the higher castes mostly become conformists. To clarify about my opinion let me be very frank that in-between Rama and Krishna I will choose the former. Anyway, happy Holi once again!
Posted on: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 10:20:51 +0000
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