THE BALLE BALLE DANCE by the feminist

The Balle Balle Dance 

What would you need to throw a big party? At the very least, perhaps an exaggerated amount of dishes, gallons and gallons of alcohol, couple of days running around planning themes… in short, way too much tension and too little fun.

On the other hand, gather a couple of Sikhs around with no money, no food, no plan and it’s still going to be a pretty brilliant party by itself. I had heard plenty of ‘sardaar’ jokes while growing up and I won’t deny forwarding some of the funny ones to my entire phone contact lists. I had also been warned by some of my friends about their anger and advised to keep my lips stitched together or the possibility of me missing my front teeth would be very high.

But it was only a few months ago that I actually had the chance to make friends with some of them. Though cautious at first, I soon began to notice their friendly and good humored nature and started interacting with them more freely. They have the ability rarely seen in people – the ability to make fun of themselves and being carefree about it. If you asked me to do the same, I would probably turn redder than a beetroot in embarrassment and use my bag as a monkey cap to hide my face!

I was invited to one of my Sikh friend’s house for lunch one day. Out of curiosity to know more about their culture, I accepted. Oh scratch that, I’ll admit it, I went for free food! I met his family, exchanged a few words in greetings and we all sat down for lunch. Simple paranthaas, curd and lassi. All things fattening and delicious looking! As we begin, I noticed how casual and informal the whole arrangement was. Everybody gathered up on one single cot, playfully conversing with each other, betting over who could finish their glass of milk and lassi first. What a feeling! Even if you tried to block all those positive vibes with all your might, you couldn’t.

As I became close friends with some of them, I suggested maybe we could all go for a dance party or something. They looked at me like it was the craziest idea they had ever heard of. Dressing up and spending money just to get an entry in for a dance party? Kidding right? Two of them got an empty bucket, turned it upside down, drummed on it, another guy got some crackers, and there we all were in beggar street clothes dancing like maniacs. At first it really did feel like a monkey dance, but as we got into the rhythm I could tell that I was enjoying myself more than I ever had in all the dance parties and clubs combined.

The simplicity of it all blew me away and I realized that is why they are always happy, smiling and laughing and ever so content. Being simple is the key. No exaggerated plans, no show, no meaningless words. Just simple everyday things to keep them happy. They showed me the true meaning of being down to earth. Maybe I too can learn their art of simple living someday.

The Feminist