The flip side of festivity

Every year, like clockwork, these annual occurrences make one bristle with anger and wonder where humanity is headed

- SEEMA GOSWAMI

There are some annual rituals that I look forward to eagerly every year. And I am not just talking about birthdays and anniversaries, though those are very special too in their own way.

No, what I am referring to here are things that bring me joy and announce the arrival and departure of seasons and eventually the year. There is the flowering of the tesu tree that is the harbinger of Holi; the blooming of the Amaltas that heralds the beginning of summer; and the blossoming of the fragrant Saptaparni as the nights turn cold. There is the arrival of mangoes in the market as the weather heats up and the profusion of oranges to show that winter is coming.

These are just some of the annual rituals that I enjoy. But then, there are plenty of others that bring nothing but anxiety and angst -- and a leavening of anger. Here are just some of them.