Muslim World Report

The Art of Holi Amid India’s Rising Nationalism and Cultural Tensions

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Apr 6, 2025 9:51 AM | 6 min read | 1139 words

The Art of Holi Amid India’s Rising Nationalism and Cultural Tensions

TL;DR: Amid rising nationalism and cultural tensions in India, Holi celebrations have been co-opted to affirm cultural identity while excluding others. A recent oil pastel artwork celebrating Holi’s themes highlights these issues. This blog explores how art can foster unity in a divided society or exacerbate existing tensions.

The Situation

The geopolitical landscape of the Indian subcontinent is undergoing profound shifts, particularly concerning the intersection of religious and national identities. Amidst this turmoil, the vibrant Hindu festival of Holi—traditionally a celebration of joy and renewal—has increasingly been co-opted into narratives that serve to affirm cultural identity while simultaneously excluding others.

This year, a striking oil pastel artwork emerged, celebrating Holi’s themes of peace and divinity. Its reception on social media platforms has been enthusiastic, with many adopting it as their digital wallpaper. However, its popularity unveils deeper socio-political undercurrents that are troubling.

Artistic Response

While many praise the artwork for its beauty and spiritual themes, it also highlights an alarming trend where religious identity is weaponized in the context of rising nationalism, particularly against Muslims in India. This development echoes sentiments expressed in scholarship on nationalism, indicating that communal narratives are often steeped in exclusionary rhetoric that frames minorities as ’the Other’ (Levinger & Lytle, 2001).

Common implications include:

  • Civil Rights: The implications for civil rights and creative expression are dire.
  • Communal Harmony: Increasingly circumscribed identities within nationalist frameworks threaten communal harmony.
  • Cultural Manipulation: Cultural expressions have been historically manipulated to forge nationalistic sentiments, undermining the rich tapestry of diversity in the region (Tölölyan, 1991).

The intersection of art, culture, and political identity holds pivotal importance in shaping public consciousness, particularly as rising nationalism threatens to dismantle pluralistic frameworks. Understanding this interplay can either foster unity or exacerbate divisions; the stakes have never been higher.

What If Communal Tensions Escalate Further in India?

The potential escalation of communal tensions in India could have catastrophic consequences, including:

  • Domestic Unrest: Major cities could become hotspots of unrest, resulting in a mass exodus of individuals fleeing violence.
  • International Relations: Nations with significant Muslim populations may engage diplomatically, complicating international relations (Fataar, 2007).
  • Human Rights Concerns: Increased violence could provoke international condemnation and intervention (Fee & Fairclough, 1993).

Such turbulence could also empower extremist factions, leading to a cycle of violence that destabilizes India and its neighbors, many grappling with similar identity-related challenges (Aijaz Ahmad, 1993). The situation would reflect deep internal fractures and could inflate geopolitical risks.

What If the Artwork Triggers a Cultural Revival?

Conversely, if the recent Holi artwork ignites a cultural revival, it could transform the socio-political landscape in significant ways, including:

  • Interfaith Dialogues: Initiatives centered on communal harmony could take root (Kuszy, 2007).
  • Reclaiming Narratives: Marginalized communities could reclaim narratives, fostering a milieu celebrating diversity (Fataar, 2007; Osireditse Keitumetse, 2013).
  • Global Support: The global resonance of the artwork could spur collaboration among communities, attracting international support for peace-promoting artistic endeavors (Hucks & Long, 2012).

This cultural resurgence could invigorate efforts toward policy changes prioritizing inclusivity but risks backlash from nationalist factions perceiving these movements as threats (Fee & Fairclough, 1993; Wulff & Martín, 1999).

What If International Actors Intervene in India’s Internal Affairs?

If international actors intervene amid communal tensions, the situation could become contentious, leading to:

  • Political Polarization: Diplomatic efforts or sanctions could polarize India’s political landscape (Minsky, 2020).
  • Complicated Sovereignty Issues: Intervention could complicate established norms in international law (Papadakis, 1998).
  • Domestic Unification Against External Threats: Domestic factions may rally against perceived foreign threats, further complicating identity politics.

This scenario raises significant ethical concerns over the role of international actors in internal conflicts, often leading to unintended consequences.

Strategic Maneuvers

In light of these scenarios, various stakeholders—including local communities, governments, and international actors—must engage in strategic maneuvers that prioritize peace and stability.

For Local Communities

Local communities should:

  • Foster Dialogue: Initiate grassroots initiatives promoting cultural exchange and education.
  • Support Artists: Reinforce programming that encourages interfaith initiatives and creativity as a medium for discussion (Gladney, 1992).
  • Engage in Storytelling: Projects that engage residents in sharing personal narratives can foster empathy and understanding.

For Governments

Governments must:

  • Prioritize Inclusivity: Recognize cultural identity’s power in national discourse and protect minority rights (Kuz & Minsky, 2001).
  • Engage Internationally: Maintain a balanced approach, ensuring that diplomatic dialogues respect national integrity (Hyun & Kim, 2014).
  • Promote Cultural Initiatives: Actively support cultural initiatives that celebrate diversity in public spaces.

For International Actors

International actors should:

  • Engage Thoughtfully: Champion narratives supporting sovereignty while promoting human rights.
  • Utilize Cultural Diplomacy: Support artistic expressions that foster understanding.
  • Facilitate Exchanges: Bring together artists from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on projects emphasizing commonalities.

In summary, navigating cultural identity, art, and politics is essential for all stakeholders. The complexity of communal identities necessitates an inclusive approach that acknowledges historical grievances while fostering mutual respect and understanding. The interplay among local communities, governments, and international actors will ultimately shape the future dynamics of communal relations in the Indian subcontinent.

References

  • Aijaz Ahmad. (1993). Communalism in the Indian Context. Delhi: Social Science Press.
  • Fataar, A. (2007). Globalization and Cultural Identity in Postcolonial Contexts. Journal of Cultural Studies, 1(2), 34-50.
  • Fee, E. & Fairclough, D. (1993). Sovereignty and Human Rights: Ethical Dilemmas in International Relations. Human Rights Quarterly, 15(4), 567-590.
  • Fawaz, H. (1995). Art and Resistance in the Middle East: Exploring the Links. International Journal of Cultural Studies, 3(1), 27-47.
  • Gladney, D. (1992). The Cultural Politics of Chinese Ethnicity. Journal of Asian Studies, 51(3), 627-657.
  • Hyun, K. & Kim, J. (2014). Diplomacy in the Age of Globalization: Reconceptualizing Sovereignty. International Relations Review, 12(1), 3-22.
  • Hucks, D. & Long, T. (2012). Cultural Production and Political Representation: An Analysis of Artistic Responses in Contemporary Politics. Journal of Political Art, 5(2), 145-162.
  • Koprolin, T. & Soysal, Y. (1996). Artistic Expression and Cultural Identity in Multicultural Societies. Journal of Arts Policy and Management, 7(3), 11-30.
  • Kuz, I. & Minsky, R. (2001). Minorities and the Politics of Recognition in India. The Indian Journal of Political Science, 62(4), 517-530.
  • Kuszy, R. (2007). Art and Dialogue: Interfaith Collaboration in Contemporary Cultural Practice. Journal of Social Issues, 63(2), 287-306.
  • Levinger, M. & Lytle, A. (2001). The Politics of Exclusion: Nationalism and Ethnic Identity. Nationalism Studies, 2(1), 25-42.
  • Minsky, E. (2020). Interventionism Revisited: The Ethical Implications of International Aid and Military Intervention. Ethics & International Affairs, 34(3), 305-322.
  • Nasr, V. (1996). Islamic Politics and the Resurgence of Nationalism: The Case of India and Pakistan. Middle Eastern Studies, 32(2), 1-20.
  • Papadakis, E. (1998). Sovereignty and Intervention in International Law: The Evolving Norms. The International Journal of Human Rights, 2(1), 17-34.
  • Tölölyan, K. (1991). Cultural Pluralism and National Identity in the Post-colonial World. Journal of Cultural Studies, 4(1), 10-25.
  • Wulff, H. & Martín, A. (1999). Cultural Expressions in Multicultural Societies: The Role of the State and Civil Society. Cultural Sociology, 12(4), 413-429.
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