While composxing “Why Indians in India are not Indian” a nagging thought of having a national festival continued to cause itching in my mind. We lack any worthwhile thread to bind us all as Indians. The single factor that embraces all of us as Indian is the geographical boundary, comprising all disparate and different states in its fold resembling a federal structure and bestowing sovereign power to the centre. All other aspects of our life – cultural, religious or social mores -- are different. The other national festivals like Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti and Children’s Day fail to invoke the spirit of festivities across the length and breadth of the whole country. It is still to transcend the formal slant of officialdom and as such finds its place in government and educational institutions mainly. It can never be compared with the zeal and fervour associated with Dussehra, Diwali or Id, Durga Puja or Ganesh Chaturthi enjoyed by everybody including children and elderly alike. It remains drab in texture and tenor, devoid of exuberance of any joyous diversion.  Otherwise, India is rich in many colourful festivals celebrated with gaiety and merriment in all the states. They are all region specific despite being part and parcel of everyday social life. Again, they are confined to a particular religious group or regional entity. We lack a festival having national flavour touching all cords of the heart of all population cutting across the boundaries of caste and creed.

It is not necessary to create a new festival. It is better to select one out of all existing festivals observed in India.  However, it needs to be secular.

Makar sankranti is celebrated under different names in almost all parts of the country. It marks the day when the Earth tilts towards the north from its southward journey in winter. It is the culmination of the shortest day of the year. From this date the duration of the day goes on increasing till it attains longest span again on 21^st June. However, it is associated with religious sentiments among Hindus. Though Lohri also falls on this day it is not observed as a religious festival. People of all faiths can adopt it as a secular national festival. Now, Valentine’s Day and Halloween are gaining acceptance among certain section of people, crossing the barriers of faiths. It is likely to gain momentum in popularity with the passage of time. Both are of foreign origin, which is why people with nationalist sentiments oppose its introduction. Whether they will succeed remains a moot point. But an un-necessary conflict is introduced in the society. Personally I am not opposed to it. When we believe in globalization – it’s inescapable now -- we implicitly admit “vasudhaiva kutumbakam” – all the world is a single family. Again, a “but” butts in: when we can adopt one of our own indigenous festivals why to go in for an imported brand?  The best alternative is to adopt Lohri as a popular national festival. It is devoid of any religious rituals. It occurs in winter season, can be observed by all section of the people. Main item of the celebration is the lighting of bonfire, around which all males, females and children gather munching favourite crunchies, singing, dancing, storytelling and merrymaking. No formality is involved. You can add many more things, to your choice, to add extra flavour to the celebration. This way we can make at least one day of the year for the heart of one billion Indians to vibrate in unison, and swing and sway in gleeful abandon on this joyous occasion.

Lohri falls on 13^th January of every year. Happy Lohri to all!