Narrator:
Welcome to the 'Gupta Sadhak Shyama Khapa' YouTube channel. To all our friends joining us today on the auspicious occasion of Dol Purnima, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes. On behalf of all of us, we offer our respects to Gurudev and seek his blessings. Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings to all.
Narrator:
On this holy day of Dol Purnima, we would like to hear a few words from you.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The word 'Dol' comes from 'Dola,' which means swinging. We often say "Dol Dol Doloni." As per the Puranas, Krishna and Radhika swing on a decorated 'dola' (swing) while their companions (Sakhis) spray them with colors—this is the essence of Dol.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In the past, playing with colors was a significant tradition. People used to say that playing Dol could cure many diseases, and indeed, many ailments were healed through it. However, the colors used today are mostly industrial. These industrial colors are very harmful to the skin and eyes, according to doctors.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Because of this, the traditional way of playing Dol is fading away. Nowadays, we mostly see groups of young men intoxicated. Last night, the crowds at liquor stores were so large that the police had to force them to close at midnight. For me, it has become less of a 'Dol festival' and more of a 'liquor festival.'
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I just came from the road, and I didn't see anyone playing with colors. Instead, there is a heavy police presence and checking at every corner. Even our vehicle was checked. It's sad to see that a festival meant for the people now requires such heavy policing.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I remember when we were young, we would play so much that the color wouldn't come off for three or four days, no matter how much soap we used. Now, things have changed. Some young people play among themselves in private, but often with cigarettes and alcohol, which is quite unfortunate.
Narrator:
It is a sign of cultural decline.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
A severe decline. Rishi Aurobindo once said that when boys start wearing earrings and girls start wearing pants and smoking cigarettes, you know that society has hit rock bottom. You can see that happening now; I don't even need to say it.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The next generation is watching and learning these habits from their elders. The consequences are turning out to be quite grim.
Narrator:
Gurudev, you mentioned the quality of colors. While modern colors are chemical-based, we see many "herbal" colors in the market now, supposedly made from flower extracts.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I don't know how much of it is actually herbal. There isn't enough production in West Bengal to meet the demand, so chemical colors are often sold under the herbal label. In the old days, we had "Bandorer Rong" (Monkey color) which was incredibly persistent. Today, colors look vibrant, but doctors warn they are unsafe.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Most people don't listen, but doctors are repeatedly advising against playing Dol this way. We want joy and excitement, but at what cost?
Narrator:
Another thing, Gurudev—lately, many clubs and even political parties are organizing "Basanta Utsav" (Spring Festival) on a large scale, bringing young men and women together. This wasn't as common before.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
True. We never saw this "political color" or "club color" in Dol before. In our childhood, we simply enjoyed spraying people on the streets with 'pichkaris' (water guns) or using marigold petals and potatoes to make the color stick. Those were different times, filled with genuine joy. Now, the celebration is confined within clubs or party levels.
Narrator:
I also noticed that while children still play in their neighborhoods, they are much more cautious about spraying strangers on the road compared to before.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That's because of parents or neighbors telling them not to play too much and to focus on their studies instead. The future of Dol as a public festival seems uncertain.
Narrator:
Gurudev, I must ask about the rising COVID-19 cases. In such a situation, the uncontrolled mingling during Dol seems risky.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
COVID is spreading rapidly. We see it on the news, but many people don't seem to care. On the streets and in markets, few people maintain distance or wear masks. Some conscious people use hand sanitizer, but the majority do not.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This new strain is very dangerous. It starts with a cold, and within two days, both lungs are severely affected, often beyond the doctors' help. We need to prioritize safety. Dol will come every year, but right now, the situation demands that we avoid such gatherings.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We would probably have a lockdown right now if it weren't for the upcoming elections. The government has likely avoided it for political reasons. It's as if they care more about the election and staying in power than the lives of the people.
Narrator:
In a country of 1.3 billion, losing 10,000 or 20,000 people seems to be treated with indifference.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. The constitutional duty to protect citizens seems to have been forgotten. Both the educated and the uneducated are caught in this dilemma of whether to celebrate or not.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
One infected person can kill fifty others. It's a serious matter. Yet, those who are infected often hide it to avoid treatment or isolation, endangering everyone around them.
Narrator:
Gurudev, you came to your Ashram, Santikunj, this morning as usual. We see many devotees and disciples coming to seek your blessings. Are there any special arrangements for Dol Purnima at the Ashram today?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Well, public transport is running today. In the past, everything—buses, autos—would stop before 2 PM on Dol. Today, everything is moving. This is another concern. The government should have regulated this, but they haven't.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There are police checks, but that's not enough. Unless people become aware and accept that COVID-19 is a serious threat, this will continue to spread.
Narrator:
Lastly, Gurudev, what is your message for your many disciples and followers abroad?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Dol isn't really celebrated on a large scale in places like Canada, the USA, or France. The Indian diaspora there might celebrate it in small groups, but there's no public disruption like here.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In India, the enthusiasm is high, and the government even encourages it. But they aren't thinking about the risks. They say "Play Dol," but they don't provide enough warnings. In the past, TV channels would warn about eye damage and other risks; we don't see that as much now.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The current management reminds me of Mohammad bin Tughlaq in history. His plans were good, but the execution was chaotic, which is why he was called the "Mad King." Today's lack of discipline and order feels similar.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Currently, because of the elections, the administration is under the Election Commission. I believe the Commission should have stepped in and issued guidelines regarding Dol celebrations for the sake of public health.
Narrator:
Friends, you heard Gurudev Shyama Khapa's thoughts on Dol Purnima. His message is clear: celebrate, but be mindful of the dangers we face today.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I repeat, COVID is rising every day. We shouldn't be indifferent just because "only a few" are dying. We must be conscious.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There is a difference between 'Power' (Shakti) and 'Consciousness' (Chaitanya). Ramakrishna Paramahamsa often spoke of becoming 'Chaitanya' (conscious). Today, we see a lot of 'Shakti'—people gathering in large groups, sometimes becoming destructive—but very little 'Chaitanya.' Where there is true consciousness, there is no need for such displays of power or destruction.
Narrator:
On that note, we conclude our discussion for today. Pranam to everyone.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam.
Spiritual Insight
Guru Shyama Khyapa's Dol Purnima message serves as both a nostalgic remembrance of authentic celebration and a stark warning about cultural degradation. The Guru draws a sharp distinction between 'Shakti' (power/gathering force) and 'Chaitanya' (conscious awareness)—reminding us that true festivals require the latter. His invocation of Sri Aurobindo's prophecy about societal decline, combined with his critique of political manipulation during a pandemic, demonstrates the timeless relevance of spiritual wisdom in addressing contemporary social crises. The message is clear: tradition without consciousness becomes mere intoxication, and celebration without responsibility becomes collective suicide.