About the author: Pradeep Kushnoor is a politician based in Bidar of Karnataka. He was elected to the Zilla Panchayat and as Chairman of the Health and Education standing committee in the 1990s. He loves to live life to the full. He has undertaken several courses in English language, History and Public Health.
Summary of the book: Over a period of time, the celebrations of religious festivals have regressed into mindless rituals. A majority of our people have no idea why they are celebrating a particular festivity or even its history. This book is a small attempt to provide information about the ceremonies and their background, tracing their beginning and development over a period of time.
- Can you tell us a little about your book?
The celebrations of religious festivals in India have regressed into mindless rituals without knowing the background and history over a period of time. - Is there a specific event that inspired this story or was this an out of the blue idea?
I began writing on my Facebook wall initially about all topics and gradually concentrated on the background of religious celebrations. - What got you writing in the first place?
I had time in between canvassing for votes and experimented writing on Facebook and when I received positive reactions from my friends and followers, I wrote with enthusiasm. - What was your impression of your first draft when you read it?
I felt I wrote informatively. - Which part of your story connects the most with you? Why?
None of what I write connects to me. It was only an attempt to inform readers about the background of the celebrations. - What makes your book the one to read?
In the current social scenario, there is a tremendous amount of hatred being spread through the social media, misusing the religious festivals to create division in society. This book is a tiny attempt to illuminate readers about their festivities. - What was the best advice you got while writing?
I was encouraged by Dr Ramzan Darga, a writer of eminence, who told me I possessed a good knowledge of history and mythology and he further advised me to write about all festivals irrespective of caste or religion. - Who’s your all-time favourite author? Which book of his/hers made you fall in love with them?
Devadutt Pattanaik: The Secrets of Shiva and other books of his. - What is your evergreen tip to the writers out there?
Don’t stop trying. Keep going. You will succeed sooner than you imagine. - Do you have another plot brewing?
Thinking about writing on the history of Bidar, in Deccan. The Sultans of Bidar ruled vast stretches of our nation from the 13th century to the 15th century CE.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.in/dp/9357761829?ref=myi_title_dp
