According to an interesting myth, once there was drought on earth
for a prolonged period of time. People were going through tough time due to
scarcity of water and thus no crops and fodder for cattle.
It was believed, that Lord Indra was responsible for the rains and
whenever it rained, Lord Shiva would play his damru (a small hand-drum). Parvati, Shiva’s consort was worried
about the situation and both of them decided to descend to earth, in a disguise
and check for themselves, the state of their devotees.
The scene on earth was as expected. Land had cracked up; dead cattle
lay all around, with the sun blazing down on earth. There was not a drop of
water anywhere and people were migrating to wherever they thought there was
water. Amidst all this, they were surprised to see a lone farmer, plowing his
field.
Both of them, in their disguise approached the farmer and asked him
as to why was he plowing when there was no scope of rains. The farmer,
replied, that Lord Indra can afford to forget his responsibility of sending the
rains and so can Lord Shiva afford not to play his damru, as they were gods. But he was a mere mortal; he could not
afford to forget how to plough his field. Also, it was his responsibility to
plough the land and he must do his job, rains or no rains, as he did not have
the luxury of abdicating his responsibility like the gods. None would question
the gods for failing in their responsibility, but he was answerable to his
family.
Both Siva and Parvati were taken aback, by the response and were ashamed.
It was then that Shiva decided that he should do his job, rains or no rains,
and he started playing the damru.
Hearing Lord Shiva’s damru, Indra
realised his folly and sent down the rains and the drought ended.
A very simple myth, but such an important lesson.
No matter what, do not run away from your responsibility. Even if the circumstances are not favourable,
just do your bit. If the powers-that-be have not taken heed of the massive
drought in certain parts of the country, we must do your bit by contributing in
whatever form we can. Farmers are dying and their families are left to fend for
themselves. Many of us don’t/can’t do much, except feel sorry.
Tomorrow is Holi. Celebrate the festival with
all the fervour it deserves. Spare a thought for the ones who are suffering
from drought like conditions and are parched for water. Many have vociferously
come out saying, why should we not play holi
with water, when the responsibility of the acute shortage rests with nature and
government? If the government does not take adequate steps, why should we and
our children undergo austerities?
No dispute to the question and so true too.
But I have just one thing to remind many of us of a simple emotion
that many of us have grown up with. Earlier, when most of us have stayed in
smaller buildings prior to moving in to large societies, if someone in the
building died, as a mark of respect or solidarity with the family, we used to
refrain from watching TV or listening to loud music for a few days. The
situation is not very different. Some of our brethren are deprived of water for
basic needs, for whosoever’s fault it might be. Under such circumstances, how
humane would it seem to celebrate holi
with rain dances, et al?
Do play holi, by all
means, just spare a thought for people who get water once in 35-40 days for
basic necessity while passive authorities are busy politicking. You do your bit
– play holi, but spare the wasteful
splash!
Happy Holi!!
My previous articles on Holi –
Pics Courtesy -
Drought pic - www.madhyaman.com
Rain dance - www.thesouthasiantimes.info
Holi - Internet
