Task 2 - Interviews

Interview 1:
Name- Aleena Shaikh
Age- 13
Profession: Student of S.M Shetty Intl school
Religion: Muslim

We interviewed our colleague, Aleena Shaikh and below are her views and expressions on
the questions that were asked.

In general, People do accept and respect her culture as there are no boundaries as to who
can celebrate them. She, herself, celebrates quite a few festivals that aren’t connected to her
traditions. This act is not a problem in her society and is generally regarded with equal
amount of respect like any other.

When asked whether her own celebrations are respected in her area, she replied by saying
that yes, the festivals celebrated in her community are shown respect. She strongly
mentioned that as a muslim, she’s never experienced any cultural issues with regard to her
traditions. The festivals are celebrated all around the world, by everyone regardless of their
religion or custom. Her school, taken as an instant example, was one where they celebrate it
quite as any other general festival.

She was also asked about her views on the common festivals (Diwali and Holi) celebrated
by the majority of Indian citizens. Her response was that Diwali is usually quite a joyous time
during the year. Like any other, she usually goes over to her friends and lights firecrackers.
Her community regards Holi as a welcome to spring and it's also seen as a fresh start where
people can begin new. Holi is also celebrated by her like the majority, she enjoys it with her
loved ones.

Proof :

Aleena Shaikh has consented to being filmed and published.

Interview 2:
Name- Siddhi Panchwatkar
Age- 13
Profession: Student of S.M Shetty Intl school
Religion: Jain

We interviewed another one of our colleagues, Siddhi Panchawatkar and below are her
views and expressions on the questions that were asked.

Festivals like Diwali and Holi are deeply significant in her community too and are celebrated
as a grand affair. She stated that the Jain community celebrates these festivals in quite a
different way. They do enjoy it like any other religion however the festivities start from the
beginning of the month itself and last throughout the month. This is done to commemorate
and mark the liberation of the 24th Lord of their religion called “Lord Mahavira”.

When asked about how holi is regarded in her community, she said that Holi is marked as
the birth of Lord Mahavira (Mahavir Jayanti) so they celebrate the occasion by performing
religious rituals.

According to her customs and traditions, Christmas is celebrated yet again to honour the
birthday of the 23rd Lord of their religion called “Lord Parshvanath”

To conclude, she expressed by saying how each religion shows its own beauty by
celebrating each festival in different ways.

Proof:

Siddhi panchwatkar has consented to be filmed and published.

Interview 3:
Name- Shoba Parab
Age- 60
Profession: House Wife

A member from this group interviewed an elderly for their views and thoughts on what has
changed between their era (1900s) and right now (2000s) in context with the festivals.

During the 1900s, Diwali was celebrated in a very grand way by bursting fire crackers and
lighting diya’s (lamps). Nowadays. Due to the awareness programs and announcements
spread by not only the government but also by various citizens, bursting firecrackers has
reduced comparatively to how they used to burst crackers before.

She also stated that the sweets that were first made in numerous numbers in houses around
the town, are now bought from shops. This is something that has been normalised in today's
society as it's easier to buy it instead of putting in lots of effort and making it. This isn't really
a healthy way as making sweets was something that was adored by all of us. We could
spend time with our loved ones as well as have fun by testing and trying out different,
delicious sweets.

As for Holi, during the old days, the colours were traditionally made from flowers and herbs
which in the hot climate of India tend to produce bright natural dyes but in today's
generation, people usually use synthetic and artificial colours. The water that is being used
for Holi has also increased. People now use large buckets of water and an estimate of 2.5
million litres of water is wasted throughout Mumbai.

In conclusion, Festivals in today's generation are not celebrated how they used to be. They
are not regarded in their true sense and people are now resorting to easier ways of
celebrating.

Proof:

Mrs. Parab has consented to being filmed and recorded.

Interview 4:
Name- Kalpana Rane
Age- 64
Profession: House Wife
A member from the group interviewed an elderly for their views and thoughts on what has
changed between their era (1900s) and right now (2000s) in context with the festivals.

About 50 years ago, Diwali wasn’t just a festival where all of us would burst firecrackers,
instead it was an occasion where numerous people would come together as one and enjoy
the day. The preparations would start 7 days prior to Diwali where everyone would get up
early, freshen up and sit for pooja (worship). The afternoons before Diwali were usually
spent making different kinds of sweets to distribute among close family and friends.

On the day of diwali, people would dress for the occasion and go out to greet friends and
family. They would then burst firecrackers together. In this generation, people barely get out
of the house anymore during festivals like Diwali. Sweets are ordered online from shops and
people greet their friends through technology by video calling them.

Holi is a 2 day occasion where the day is usually started off by taking up a fast that lasts only
till the evening. The fast ends when “Holika Dahan” takes place, which is when the bonfire is
lit. The bonfire marks the end of winter as well as the victory of good over evil. Once the fire
is lit, people gather around it to chant their prayers and circle around the bonfire 5 times.
During the old days, some of them used to crowd around the bonfire and dance.

The next day is when Holi officially starts. People play with colours with their friends and
families with utmost joy. Sweets like coconut ladoos, rice puddings etc. are made at home
and are served to the gods before being shared with families

Even though these festivals are celebrated with our loved ones with utmost enthusiasm, they
have somewhere lost their importance over the generations.

Mrs. Rane did not consent to being recorded visually, hence we have provided an audio
recording attached.