India is a country of pluralism. A country can prosper if there is peace and harmony among the people. In India, in addition to all religious communities, many languages and different types of culture can be found, which is absent in any other country. China is dominated by the Han community (more than 90%), and many Chinese people praised Indians when I was in China. I have traveled to many countries worldwide, and many foreigners told me about India.
On April 9, 2024, the new year was celebrated in many parts of India under the banner of Ugadi and Gudi Padwa. On April 11, Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated, a great and auspicious celebration for Muslims, which also marks the end of Ramadan, fasting. On April 13 and 14, different parts of India New Year will be celebrated. Baishakhi in Punjab, Rongali Bihu in Assam, Naba-barsho in West Bengal (also in Bangladesh), Vishu in Kerala, and Puthandu in Tamil. On April 14, the great son of India, Dr BR Ambedkar Sahab’s birthday will be celebrated. Also, on April 17, the Ram Navami celebration will take place, i.e., the birthday celebration of Bhagwan Sri Ram. So, in one month only, the beauty of India can be observed through different celebrations and festivals.
It is pertinent to mention that Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar), popularly known as Babasaheb/Ambedkar-Saheb. Dr. Babasaheb was born on April 14, 1891, at Mhow in Madhya Pradesh. Now, Mhow, officially Dr. Ambedkar Nagar, is a cantonment. I had the opportunity to visit his birthplace for academic purposes. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was one such person who had to fight in his life because of social stigma (caste issue). With his knowledge, wisdom, and humanitarian feelings, he proved that by caste, one cannot be great and only be great by deeds.
Sri Ram Navami is one of the greatest Hindu festivals. Chaitra Navratri 2024 starts on April 9 and concludes with Sri Ram Navami on April 17.
Regarding the Eid festivals, it is pertinent to mention that two main Eids are celebrated: Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. After the end of Ramadan, the holy ninth month of the Islamic year, Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated with community prayers. Eid-ul-Adha, which in Arabic means ‘festival of sacrifice,’ is celebrated around 70 days after Eid-ul-Fitr.
In addition to the above, Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated on April 21 and Hanuman Jayanti on April 23.
Despite so many festivals and celebrations in April 2024, the worst and highly deplorable incident that took place on April 13, 1919, was the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. In the Jallianwala Bagh (also known as the Amritsar Massacre), thousands of innocent people, including children and women, were killed and injured by the British Raj on April 13, 1919. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre was one of the saddest events that will never fade away from our memory.
Prof Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad
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