Wish you a Merry Christmas!

I went to central Delhi today. It was full of people - some were singing Christmas songs, some were playing guitar, while others were dancing. It was like a grand party! A party with countless number of people. A party with mini-parties within it! And, there was a long queue in front of the church. A lot of them were not even Christians. But they were enjoying and celebrating in their own way.

Since the morning I've been getting Christmas wishes! I'm not a Christian but I'm responding to those wishes. 

For some time, I have been wondering - Why can't we respect all religions? Why are we always fighting? Why do we differentiate people on the basis of religion - "She is a Hindu", "He is a Muslim", "My child, marry someone belonging to the same religion, same caste!" All these stereotypical thoughts seem to have trapped us.

We need to rethink and recreate our religious beliefs to make this world a better place. And, if we can celebrate all festivals together like this and at a deeper level respect each others religions - we will be able to create a new reality. One where there is less hate and more love!

And, this feeling, this thought, is what's making me happy! 😊

- Manisha Pandey