August 15th in a Foreign Land

Many Indians will celebrate Independence Day in the major metros in the US.

In true American spirit, the day will be observed on a convenient weekend, not on August 15th.

A tiny explosion of green, white and saffron shall ensue. Flags, decals, parades ("parades" almost reads like "pardes") and of course, posters on the windows of grocery stores proudly announcing the "Grand Marshall" of the parade, some film star, who, as we all know is the real draw of the parade. About 3 years ago, the above HT article says, the I-day parade in Fremont, CA caused logistical problems in the city because of Big B's presence.

"Kisika" Independence mela, "kisika" traffic "jhamela".

One could easily intellectualize the whole affair and sneer at the hulla-gulla and the utter lack of irony. Or, one could just as easily romanticize the celebration - poor, huddled masses gathered under a flag to remember their motherland - shed a silent tear and gaze lovingly at a bumper sticker that reads "I (heart) India" or "Mera Bharat Mahan".

But I am skeptical of extreme viewpoints for they are simplistic and usually lazy. So are these celebrations just an excuse to hit the streets of NYC, hoping for a good view of the floats and the film stars?

What does Independence Day mean to Indians in India? What should it mean to Indians outside India?

What does it mean to me? I was not sure back when Independence day meant packets of laddus and white canvas sneakers and "patriotic" songs sung in front of some official-politician dressed in white. Now, here in the US, Independence Day usually means a 6-pack of beer, an extra helping of BBQ chicken and some more rock and roll on a beautiful summer afternoon.

I remember fondly Bombay's most awesome celebration of Independence Day: I-Rock. This was a 3 day rock music festival held in Rang Bhavan (which no longer exists, I am told). To me, there was nothing more subversive and jaw-droppingly liberal about India and Bombay than Independence Rock on August 15. We all wanted to sing "saare jahan se accha", but instead the words came out "Exit Light, Enter Night".

That was real freedom.