Our Indian culture is rich with many kinds of events & festivals without restricting any religion. As our roots are in agriculture, most Indian festivals are linked with harvesting. After long hard work, it brings happiness and prosperity, so it becomes time for celebration. Saint Kalidasa says, “उत्सवप्रिया: खलु मनुष्या:” means humans love to celebrate the festivals. So, Festivals are meant to bring happiness, energy, positivity, love and creativity. There is another quality which makes humans different from all creatures i.e. his ‘nature of giving’. Giving love, happiness, help, knowledge or anything which he possesses. They say, ” The happiest people are not the ones who are getting more, but the ones who are giving more..!!” Giving something to loved ones on special occasions is called Gifting. Receiving a gift and giving a gift both involve excitement, thinking about the person whom we are gifting, creating a bond and making them feel special.
And if the gifts are handmade, it’s like icing on the cake. Handmade gifts convey the feelings and creativity of a person who is gifting. His emotions are portrayed through that gift. A small handmade card may be more precious and priceless than a costly piece of jewellery for the receiver of the gift. We always start worrying while selecting a gift, no doubt there are ranges of gift articles. Buying a gift should carry some handmade touch, some serenity, uniqueness and the aesthetic sense of a giver. Here, we can always think about the mandala-inspired handmade gifts, they come in a wide range.
Before that let me tell you something about Mandalas. In simple terms, ‘mandala’ means a circle. This implies that there’s a centre, a circumference and a complete circle. This circle is sometimes even identified as a spinning wheel, indicating that while it is a symbol of completion, it also represents an instrument that is constantly in motion, forever on a journey. Mandala art has historical significance. Several religions have employed it to represent divine forms and as a symbol of the spiritual journey. In sum, although mandala art could be gaining in popularity in modern times, it has a long tradition behind it. Mandala art has carved a niche for itself in nearly all the religions of the world. When something gains traction in religious philosophy, it also has a positive impact on curing mental ailments. No wonder, the mandala is not just art, it is also an instrument of worship, healing and serenity.
A small mandala standing on a small easel, on your table can be the best thing to stay calm and focused while working or studying. The magnet mandala plate over the refrigerator is a good reminder of self-love to every family member as the mandala has the power to catch your concentration. Wooden plate mandalas at your balcony garden can add good mental health with the fresh air coming from plants.
Nowadays, with increasing wealth, people have abundant choices to buy anything but mental peace and well-being cannot be bought. So, Mandala can be very good gifting options, which can bring joy, calmness and well-being to everyone. Ultimately festivals are celebrated for being happy and spreading it to the surroundings.
Wish you all a very happy and serene festive season..!!
Shared By: Manaswi Patel,
A Conceptual Artist.
