February 26. “Button, there is a saying in Bengali that goes—baro mashe tero parban—which, when translated into English, verbatim, means—thirteen festivals in twelve months—which actually means that, in India, thirteen festivals are celebrated in twelve months!”

“Why are you suddenly talking of festivals?”

“Because, it’s somewhat crazy that a festival is celebrated every month to the beating of drums, lighting of ear- shattering firecrackers and too much noise! What I don’t understand is why should celebration be so noisy and irritating?”

“I understand what you are trying to say because, right now, I can hear loud firecrackers and people (Note: It’s only women’s voices) shouting insanely! I, too, fail to understand what all the screaming and shouting is about!”

“Those times when people actually stayed back home to read a book or spend quality time with their families or watch a movie together have vanished completely. These days, each member of the family wants to (as they call it) do their own thing! And what is this own thing they want to do? Deck up and head out to some party or celebrate some festival where the parents head out in one direction and the children head out in some other direction, each left to do their OWN THING!”

“Thus putting an end to the concept of celebrating jointly. Of togetherness”