Today is not only about celebrating freedom because for all of us, freedom holds different meanings. On this day, seventy-five years ago, India did not free itself from the clutches of the years of imperialism but also reiterated the message that Indians are capable of everything. This notion has not changed today. Indians have risen and still continue to rise to pinnacle of success in every sphere of life. Therefore, to mark the significance of this day, the American tech-giant Google has extended its good wishes with its Google Doodle.
This year’s Google Doodle is quite similar to last year’s in the sense that both of them highlights the Indian culture. But, what makes the 2021 Independence Day Google Doodle distinct is that it has put six different dance forms on one platform. Starting from left, the first one is Bharatnatyam in which a female dancer is showcasing a dance posture. The dance form originated from the temples and courts of Tamil Nadu. Next to her, is a female Bihu dancer who is seen to hold an Assamese japi. Bihu is an indigenous folk dance from the north-eastern Indian state Assam.
Third from the left is a male performer who is seen to play a dhol, a membranophone instrument that is played during the Punjabi folk dance ‘Bhangra’. Just next to him is one of the most eye-striking and unique dance forms in the country Chhau. This semi-classical dance form traces from the martial, tribal and folk traditions and is predominantly performed in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. The succeeding dance form is ‘Dandiya’ in which a female dance is seen to hold two dandiya sticks in both of her hands. Dandiya is very famous in Gujarat and is an indispensable part of the Navratri festival.
Taking the extreme right position is a Kathakali dancer who is seen to greet everyone in the traditional Namaste style. The dancer holds an upright posture and has placed their feet adjacent to one another. The animated doodle by Google not only symbolizes the Independence Day but also upholds the idea of ‘Unity in Diversity’. It brings out the rich Indian tradition in front of the world.
The Google Doodle for Independence Day 2020 was quite similar. But, rather than dance forms, it featured the various Indian musical instruments that are played even today. The instruments included tutari, shehnai, dhol, veena, sarangi and bansuri. Google Doodle has now become more of a tradition that leaves the Indian users spellbound on this day. With the unique ideas of the Doodle designers, the tech giant now seems to rule the hearts of the Indians.
