As the echo of Diwali’s fireworks fades, a profound serenity envelopes the Indian landscape. The skies, a canvas of soft twilight colours, usher in a trio of festivities – Saal Mubarak, Govardhan Puja, and Bali Pratipada – each a distinct tale of devotion, gratitude, and renewal.
Govardhan Puja: The Mountain of Faith
“Every mountain peak is within reach if you just keep climbing.” – Barry Finlay
On the first day after Diwali, Govardhan Puja reverberates with the ancient tale of little Krishna and the mighty mountain Govardhan. It is a day that honours Lord Krishna’s miraculous deed of lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from the furious downpour summoned by Indra, the god of rain and thunder. Farmers pay homage to this event by building cow dung hillocks, symbolising Govardhan, and adorning them with flowers and vibrant rangolis.
The essence of Govardhan Puja is a heartfelt tribute to nature and its nurturers – the farmers. Communities gather to prepare ‘Annakoot’ – a mountain of food, signifying the bounty of harvest, and share it with everyone. It reflects unity and the shared blessings of the earth.
Bali Pratipada: The King’s Return
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell
Bali Pratipada narrates the story of King Bali, whose strength and generosity won the hearts of his subjects but also pushed the cosmos off balance. Lord Vishnu, in the dwarf avatar Vamana, humbled King Bali by banishing him to the netherworld. However, impressed by his selflessness, Vishnu granted him a boon to visit his kingdom once a year.
This day is celebrated with ceremony and joy, symbolising the return of King Bali to his kingdom. It reminds us that true leaders are those who earn respect through acts of kindness rather than power.
Saal Mubarak: The New Year’s Embrace
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” – Seneca
Saal Mubarak, the Gujarati New Year, marks the start of new beginnings and fresh hopes. Families exchange greetings of ‘Saal Mubarak’ wishing each other prosperity and joy for the year ahead. Homes open their doors to welcome relatives and friends, with a spread of festive delicacies that indicate communal sharing and celebration.
The day is sealed with the exchange of gifts and sweets, and the air resounds with laughter and the chimes of temple bells. It is a time to settle old debts, both financial and emotional, making way for a clean slate.
The Unifying Thread
These celebrations, though diverse in narratives, converge on the common threads of faith, gratitude, and new beginnings. Each festival teaches us that every act of God or nature has a reason, that leadership is about service, and that every end is just an introduction to a new dawn.
As we celebrate these festivals, let us remind ourselves of these words by Melody Beattie: “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
In the spirit of these festivities, may we find the strength to overcome our mountains, the humility to serve with grace, and the wisdom to step into the New Year with hope and joy. Saal Mubarak to everyone!