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
