So back when India was secular and we all respected each others’ religion and coexisted (some what) harmoniously, we wished each other on all festivals. I have memories of wishing my friends’ “Merry Christmas” when not a single friend of mine was Christian. Similarly, wishing Eid Mubarak, Happy Diwali, and so on and so forth.
Heck, most Indians love celebrating so much, that as long as there was free food involved they will happily participate in and celebrate whatever festival you might be celebrating. As far as I can recall all festivals got equal screen-time. Not to deny that India is primarily a Hindu country and Hindus do have a million different festivals. So on that account they do end up having a lot more celebrations but being a born into a Hindu family never meant that we were not allowed to celebrate festivals of other faiths.
Only when I moved to the U.S., I learned that everyone here had collectively decided to say, “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”. I didn’t understand ‘why’ back then but having spoken to people and read a few articles on the topic since, I can now understand that some non-Christians feel alienated. Today, I understand that in America no other religious holiday gets celebrated nationally or even gets a day off. And the fact that their festivals do not get as much attention, it makes people resentful.
While I don’t practice any religion and don’t believe in any one God, I still don’t have a problem wishing Merry Christmas. Personally, I feel wishing someone about something they believe in does not affect my views or invalidate my beliefs. I guess, my old Indian habits will die hard.
Here’s wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!
Photography by Nico
Location - Shops at Wisconsin Place
Skirt - Alice + Olivia via Bloomingdale's // Same
Top - Alice + Olivia via Bloomingdale's // Similar
Tights - Falke // Similar
Shoes - Dolce Vita // Another
Earrings - Better
I'm loving this whole outfit! The fur cuffs and fun chevron pattern are amazing!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty outfit!! Love the sleeves on your sweater especially!
ReplyDeletexo, Laura
www.have-need-want.com
This is such a gorgeous look and I am loving the color combo!
ReplyDeleteKileen
cute & little
Tanvi, you look beautiful in this entire outfit. And I loved your writing...
ReplyDeletehey Tanvii. agree with how Indians love to celebrate all festivals no matter what but I am not sure why you speak of it as a thing of past. Most of us are still the same and as you mentioned would love to celebrate given any opportunity. That is one thing I so love about India at the risk of sounding extreme.
ReplyDeleteI'll be honest, I did not know that the caste system still existed in India. I am not a very religious person, but saying Merry Christmas to everyone is just part of my life. I see it less as religion, and more just wishing someone well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great holiday look you have there, loving the sleeves on your top and the pattern on your skirt is so pretty
ReplyDeleteI love the versatility of these pieces. Great post!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
I love the chevron pattern, it's so different and it looks great with the fur cuffs. Such a great look girl!
ReplyDeleteI feel like so many people can get offended with Merry Christmas, you're not wishing harm you're just wishing a good holiday that's all. I love that chevron pattern with those colors, it's so pretty!
ReplyDeleteThat skirt really makes a wonderful statement. It's such a perfect way to bring in the new year too!
ReplyDeleteI am loving your outfit especially the skirt.Your killing it.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas too,,! Even other religions will greatly appreciate your greetings even if you're not one of them. It's a big deal you show them respect.
ReplyDeleteThis was a lesson in style and also a snippet from your culture! I enjoyed reading this so very much! And that skirt, you better werk!
ReplyDeleteXx,
Nonee