On the eve of one of the most popular Hindu festivals throughout the United Kingdom, the nine-day Navratri festival, I would like to reflect on the meaning and impact of this on the wider cultural life of Britain.
Over a period of nine days from October 15, Hindus from four generations will fast, pray, dance, chant and finally share vegetarian prashad (offering), which they have made at home with members of their local community.
The evenings of dancing, accompanied by live traditional music, are the best, and during this festival many young people discover their cultural and heritage pride. In the centre are the divine Matajis, female goddesses, who have given all of us strength and empowerment in challenging times. It is an interactive, artistic and creative festival where the colours are mind-blowing and really lift the spirits against a bleak backdrop of winter. Invited guests are always mesmerised by the whole experience, remembering it for years to come.
At Navratri, I have seen young people feel proud to be Indians. Given the general ambivalence about our culture in the national media, and its absence from the school curriculum, this festival makes them feel different without needing to apologise for it. It’s a celebration of family and community. They also bring their diverse classmates along who love dressing up for the occasion and dancing along. At this event, young people don’t need to defend their Indian identity. The circles of dancing are inclusive and harmonious, demonstrating how plural and welcoming our culture is.
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Given its huge grassroots resonance and regularity, it is most surprising that Navratri never gets into the culture pages of some mainstream UK newspapers. This is because the media are blind to faith, (except all its negativity which they emphasise) and it’s huge positive power in building communities and social capital. They have also lost a sense of tradition and it’s timeless meaning when cultures are not in museums and art galleries, but alive and dynamic.
This is a national failure, at a time when we need cultural resilience and inclusivity the most. This reminds me of the importance of having our own media and voice to retain our values. No-one else will sing our praises and help us pass our relay baton of wisdom to future generations.
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Navratri has sustained and nourished generations for a reason.
Professor Atul K. Shah [@atulkshah] teaches and writes about Indian wisdom on business, culture and community at various UK universities and is a renowned international author, speaker and broadcaster.