Of Santas & Dogri Dances

Festivals bring happiness with them and an opportunity to forget differences and start afresh by greeting each other. They also offer a chance to come closer to each other, even those who hold different beliefs than yours. Although in the past the chasm between different religions and communities was wider but the differences are ebbing now. People holding different beliefs can be seen, now-a-days, participating together in the festivals.
This positive change could also be witnessed in Jammu few days back on the eve of Christmas. Earlier Christmas would be celebrated generally by just one community but for the last few years participation of other communities has remarkably increased. A Christmas fete, 'X Mas Bash,' that was organized by Hari Niwas Palace in collaboration with Innovations India on December 25 also brought people from different backgrounds and faiths together.
This programme was organized in the premises of Hari Niwas Hotel. The carnival started at 10 am and drew a large crowd of children, youngsters and elders and by noon the crowd swelled. Till 5 pm, the time to wind up the fete, people could be noticed there making merry.
This programme was unique in many ways. It was a programme in which children held more importance than all others. Their choice and entertainment was given special consideration. The entry ticket to this fete was Rs 50 per child but here a child could bring his parents and facilitate them free entry. Thus in the 'X Mas Bash' the parents had a reason to thank their children for getting them a free entry.
The carnival was well organized and children along with their parents could be seen enjoying to the fullest. However, what added more charm to the festivities was the location where it was held. The open green lawn also offered the visitors a breathtaking view of the River Tawi at one side and historic Mubarak Mandi fort on a hillock at some distance. To another side of Hari Niwas one can also spot Amar Mahal Museum and Library that reminds of the glories of Dogra rulers.
Joyful environment, smiling faces and Santa Claus frolicking here and there was what one could notice there. For children there were fun rides, tum- tum jhula, bouncy Mickey Mouse etc. Food stalls, magic show, dance floor, DJs, other games etc were there to attract one and all. Apart from these mehendi designers were also there to decorate the palms. One could also get one's sketch drawn in just few minutes.
For those who believe in the game of chance, there was a stall of 'tambola' also. Youngsters could also be seen aiming at targets with balls in fun games like 'Hit and Win'.
Monika, a student in one of the Jammu schools, told about her experience that she had gone to 'X- Mas Bash' along with her two friends and they all had a very nice time there. She particularly enjoyed the fun ride. However, her friends relished all the food items that they bought from the stalls organized there.
Monika and her friends were among the many visitors who had a ball during Christmas carnival. About the importance of such carnivals they opined that they are a beautiful way to bring people from all walks of life, cultures and religions, closer to each other and also a way to encourage amity in the society. They also expressed that such festivities break the monotony and bring respite from hectic school life.
"Participation of more people of different faiths in festivals indicates that people are definitely becoming broadminded and have started understanding each others' beliefs. With time they will certainly become more tolerant towards each other. Let us hope for the best," expressed a parent who had come to the Christmas fete along with her little son.
Randhir Jamwal, Senior Manager of Hari Niwas, informed, "We have organized such a Christmas festival for the third time and like other programmes that were held earlier, this time also we were successful in attracting a large crowd."
Apart from the fun games and food stalls another attraction of the 'Bash' was a small group of dancers who, dressed in Dogri costumes, were dancing on Dogri songs. Like the brightly dressed Santa Claus they were also entertaining people while dancing and moving among the crowd. This reflected how the diverse cultures have mingled in Jammu. It is hoped that in the coming time the chasm among people will further diminish.
-Renu Bhran

Good Morning
Good morning when it is morning.
Good night when it is night.
Good day when it is light.
Good morning to the sun shine.
Good evening to the sky.
And when it is time to go away.
Good-bye
Good-bye
Good-bye -Sent by: Shezan Ali Tramboo,
Class 9th, Shaheen Public School, Doda.
Money Talks
Workers earn me, Foolish burn me,
Parents give me, Children receive me.
Misers heap me, ladies keep me,
Kings kiss me, Courtier miss me.
Mints make me, Banks take me,
Dying leave me, Others receive me.
Saints chide me, Baniyas hide me,
Gamblers lose me, one could gain me.
-Summera Anjum, Doda.

Young friends,
New year is the perfect time to make resolutions. I am sure you all make them every year. Some of us have the courage to adhere to our resolutions and many of us break it as easily as we make one. That is nothing to moan about. Making resolutions it self is not an easy task. At least it proves your ability to begin an honest self introspection and pin point one's own flaws and weaknesses. That is what resolutions are made for - for making amends to tide over the existing weaknesses. The ability to see your self honestly is a great virtue. It is greater still if you are able to over come your little weaknesses. If you can't and end up breaking resolutions, you can make an attempt again. It is good to keep trying and aspire for the best. The first step is to be honest to yourself and finding your own faults. Trying to amend them requires a lot of patience, hard work and support of friends and family. Let's hope, 2007 is the year when you are able to keep up your resolutions. At the same time, new year is also time take to stock of what has happened in the past year - in your life, in your city, country or the world and think of ways in which each one of us can contribute to make the world a better place. And of course, it is also time to celebrate with fun and frolic, and then exchange greetings. We all need this celebration once in a while to make us renew our optimism. So have a great year ahead.
--Anuradha