The Bizhu Festival

Madhu said, “I am not sure, let’s ask my grandmother.” And they both did.

The grandmother replied, “Yes, my dear, they are quite similar.”

Mahmud asked Madhu’s grandmother, “Can I also call you grandmother?”

Grandmother said, “Of course, dear.”

“Where do you get so many flowers?” Mahmud wondered.

Madhu replied, “We collect flowers from the neighbourhood. Some flowers are 

picked from neighbours without even asking their permission.”

“Don’t they mind?” Mahmud asked.

The grandmother replied, “Actually, we are a very 

intimate community, so permission is not 

required for a small issue like this.” 

She continued, “Mul-Bizhu, or the main 

day of the festival, starts with a ‘bath 

ritual’. We help shower elderly parents 

or grandparents so that we can seek their 

attention and win their blessings before 

starting the auspicious day.”