Living it up in the moon's shadow

Q&A - Soumya Aravind Sitaraman

, then an NRI, decided to catalogue these festivals when, in her quest to explain them to her young son, she found that there were few publications or books that described festivals in a comprehensive way. The book, a lavish production in two volumes (in pretty colours; hot pink for one volume's cover and orange for the other) tries to not just give the explanation for festivals but also recipes for the food that is typical of that occasion.

What made you write this book?
The need to know, the need to explain things adequately to my son who at that time was only five years old. I felt that there were gaps in our understanding. And once I started researching the book, it became a joy of discovery.

How did you do your research as many of the festivals aren't documented?
I verified through several sources for each festival. I asked many people what they do in their families for these festivals and then I came to a middle ground. I also read the scriptures, spoke to purohits, read other books on these festivals. All this gives you a solid understanding.

Since many festivals aren't recorded, families over generations do make up their own variations. How did you account for that?
I have tried to include some variations in the book. But obviously its not possible to include all variations so my advice is that one should always go to one's grandmother for family traditions in following festivals. In some cases, if you belong to a region close to a border, the way you celebrate a festival is influenced by the traditions of two states. Therefore your own family is the first point of reference. This book gives you a framework. Also, in our culture, you can form your traditions. Our traditions are flexible.

Why are festivals important in the modern context?
Festivals are really marking of significant dates in the calendar which connects us spiritually, in a way it connects us to ourselves. It's also a way of cleaning one's slate and doing the right thing.

But a festival, for instance connected with harvesting, what relevance could it have for an urban dweller?
By supporting harvest festivals, you support the farmer and that ultimately helps the economy. However, it's not so important how you celebrate a festival as long as one understands the concept behind it. Also, there is no compulsion to celebrate any festival. The doer must understand the why of a festival and modify it accordingly. I find that once people understand the tradition, then they want to follow tradition. Then they don't want short-cuts.

You started writing this book as an NRI. But do you feel that Indians living in India aren't as aware of the traditions behind many of their festivals?
Certainly I feel that. But in the same breath they are also interested in re-connecting. Many young people are these days living away from their homes for a variety of reasons. So the separation from tradition is there but at the same time the interest to go back to roots is also strong.

Since your son was the starting point for this book, what is his involvement with different festivals, now that he is older?
My son is certainly proud and delighted, especially now that he sees the actual book as he has seen the work and effort that has gone into it. And when it comes to festivals at home, he does involve himself in all the festivities.

What festivals do you celebrate?
I celebrate all festivals though the scale of celebrations varies. But I try and enjoy every celebration in our calendar year.