Most of you would be trying to locate me in this pic... and I am very much a part of it. But that's not the intention behind my uploading this nice green snap. And its a matter of pride that such colourful pictures are becoming a part of many organisations, offices and groups across Pune (and possibly other cities too) as part of the Navrang venture during Navratri.
Colour codes are announced a couple days prior to Navratri especially for women who are encouraged to wear those colours during the 9-10 days of Navratri when they go to office/college. Sarees are preferred but even jeans-kurti and punjabi dresses are absolutely fine. The main idea is the colour- not the type of attire or quality of fabric or age.
This is not compulsory- nobody follows this as a procedure. But most interestingly, it is the collective will and enthusiasm of the community that makes this wonderful event happen- not just for a day but for 9 full days in many places across the city! And in many organisations, like ours, men also participate, of their own accord.
So here we are, displaying a rich variety of the shades of Green, which was the colour for today- 19th. Let me tell you, I don't even know the names of some of the colleagues in this snap, but I know for sure they are a part of our organisation. And more importantly, they are part of this very innovative venture- we share the same sentiment. It doesn't matter if the newspaper doesn't publish our picture in tomorrow's edition; we were extremely happy today, throughout the day.
This happiness came due to the synergy that the environment carried. Even when commuting to the office, we saw many women and girls wearing the same colour, creating an amazing sense of camaraderie between us. Strangers smiled at each other, sharing inwardly that synergy that bonded all of us. And that synergy is wonderful... something one has to experience to believe.
I don't know if this was the idea behind Navrang when it started 2-3 years back. And honestly, in my previous workplaces, nobody was interested, so even I didn't bother much. But this time, the feeling is awesome.
All these are my personal feelings, but I am sure most of my comrades across Pune will share some of it. I may not be able to possess sarees or dresses of all those colours and it might not be possible to follow all the nine days, but what the heck? Even 4-5 days are enough to make us feel one, share an unknown bond, make new acquaintances and feel empowered in general.
To all my friends- girls and guys - I suggest to have something of this type in their own habitats. Anything to bring a different sense of belonging in the otherwise drab routinous workplaces, colleges.
What the big deal in accepting that we are very simple ordinary people- our happiness lies in small everyday things! Cheers!
