This concerns that particular event that has sparked a
heated debate across the nation. Hundreds of youth gathered to celebrate the
seemingly delightful occasion by squandering a valuable food commodity – an
endeavour that is the latest en vogue. This is none other than the ‘La
Tomatina’ in Lahore – an occasion that has found its way into Pakistan.
The very idea of
soaking in a tomato bath and dancing to funky music is alluring to the extent
that the youth is lavishly engaging in it and fritting away tomatoes in
enormous quantities. According to my judgment, the whole notion of drenching in
tomatoes is wholly off the wall. What good is our education if we cannot learn
to value precious commodities? In the process, innumerable tomatoes have been
dribbled away only for the sole purpose of deriving enjoyment.
It is dismaying to
witness how shallow our society has really become. Even while watching Hrithik
Roshan’s “Zindagi Na Milegi Dubara”, I did not entertain an affirmative view
regarding La Tomatina. Is it so that our cultural merriments are lagging behind
in offering sufficient gratification? Honestly speaking, what has our cultural
heritage not got to offer? Our adored revelries such as Eid, Basant and several
others are pleasing enough.
La Tomatina is
just a gross imitation of another culture, let alone promoting a callous
attitude towards those trapped in the poverty cycle. Ultimately, we are only
losing our cultural heritage and self-identity.
An advice to the
current generation is using their loaves wisely. We are privileged with an
excellent education of which the unfortunate people – living below the poverty
line – can only dream of. We should safeguard our literacy and educate
ourselves to become productive, civilized members of the society, in order to
contribute to its betterment. Value your lineage, customs and identity. If we refuse
to comply, our distinguished culture will be gradually shredded to pieces by
the modern culture vulture. Heaven forbid, should we ever get to see that
dreadful doom!