‘Joyano Kane’ – Happy new year

Centering on New Year celebration there is held huge number of events worldwide. This evening I have spent in Internet to know the diversity of English New Year celebration. Welcome lightening, fireworks, wine, sing song, dancing and chattering with bosom friends are the common mode of celebration. Bangladeshi particularly urban youth are not beyond this popular culture. However, I have got different event in the Japanese celebration. In the New Year eves along with Western practices, the Japanese society still practices three traditions. They do osojiToshikosih Soba Noodle Eating and Joyano Kane. The osojirefers to complete cleaning of house for welcome New Year and Joyano Kanemeaning hitting 108 times in the big bell for releasing from 108 sins. According to Buddhism, human being has 108 sins. Japanese people believe by hitting the big ball ( generally bell weight 8-10 tons ) they can be sinless in the new-year. My practical experience, Japanese people are not serious about religion but have high dignity about practicing social norms and religious teaching. At a time one person, follow two religions, Shintoism and Buddhism. This may only one example of the world. I am impressed with this Japanese popular culture. I think, today world need to learn from the Japanese society. My love and pray, in the year 2011 will reduce conflicts. We will move forward to establish a pluralistic world in 2011 centering on true love!

December 31, 2010