Back then Independence Day was all about celebrating and most people (including myself) celebrated by decorating their houses with “ jhandian” which were little green and white paper flags tied together with a string.
As cheap and as common as those little flags were, they were the typical Independence Day decorations and were surprisingly not at all unbecoming. I hardly see them now; I guess they have gone out of fashion, at least in the area that I live. This is a great pity because the way I see it there is nothing childish about Independence Day decorations and to me they are not just decorations. They are a symbol of hope; a strong belief in a better future; a belief that has somehow still managed to remain intact despite the long and arduous load shedding schedules, despite the over abundance of corrupt politicians and despite the sorry state of affairs that we seem to be witnessing these days. Why do I still believe? I believe in it because it is still my country and I own it. I am not going to walk away from it just because of a few ups and downs that it happens to be facing at the time.
So my enthusiasm is still there but I guess the energy has drained over the years.
I just realized what I have been doing wrong. Instead of promising my self that I would be more actively prepared for this special day next year, I should be passing on the torch to the younger generation. Instead of trying to keep up with my childhood traditions alone I should guide my kids to carry them on from here on. After all this day is not about just me it is about us.
It does not have to be about decorations or even hoisting up of a flag on the balcony, but rather any gesture that reaffirms our own faith in our solidarity and shows everyone else that we still believe in our country and that there is still hope as long as we are together.
Pakistan Zindabad
Great to know that still there are people like you who are having such enthusiasm and love for their country in the circumstances where belief of many people has been deteriorated in the future of Pakistan. Good news for you; that green and white paper JHANDIAN with string are still there…and you can still find them through all over the country on the occasion of Independence Day Celebrations. But you are very right may be you could not spot those in the posh areas (like one where u do live). And if you have the opportunity to visit the rural areas of the country you can witness those little green flags on the string all along the streets and houses. Only on this Independence Day I have witnessed the children pasting those little green flags on a string with the help of glue made by “Aata”. So it means that beautiful tradition of our childhood is still survived. And I think that the torch of “Patriotism” has been passing on to the younger generation through media (one of another blessing of media). But the majority of urban younger generation has its own way to celebrate the day….and that is entirely different from their predecessors. Pakistan Zindabad. (northstar_scorpion@hotmail.com)
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ReplyDeleteIt so happens that later on that day I saw a house being decorated by those "jhandian". The best part was that they were being put on by two kids.
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