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Gurgaon's men and women attend Funky Funeral's symbolic burial of false notions about women
Lets Walk Gurgoan, Gurgaon Mom and Gurgaon Drum Circles came together this Valentine's Day for the burial of patriarchal values and misogyny in an elaborate event called 'funky funeral.' The idea that was initiated by the One Billion Rising NGO was carried on in Gurgaon by members of the above mentioned teams and also by volunteers who are against the redundant age-old mindset that one gender should be above another.

Jayanti Pandey, who is associated both with Let's Walk Gurgaon and Gurgaon Mom said, “Something touched a chord in all among us due to the recent Delhi Gang rape. Today, we are here to enjoy the death of these values, which hold no more place in our society. It is enjoyment with a message. The difference might be small but it is nonetheless a difference.” Pointing to her daughter she told this citizen journalist , “All she wants is a safe place and my world today is her world tomorrow,”

The jubilation in the air was supplemented by funky out of the box costumes worn by women, headgears and masks. Volunteers turned up at Sahara Mall to participate and show solidarity. Three volunteers Kusum, Cherly and Shilpi all voiced one thing, “Women have to bring change themselves in the society.” Painted faces and the amalgamation of musical instruments were included to symbolize that it was a happy occasion.

The event began after Sehba Imam, founder of Lets Walk Gurgaon, took the mike and talked about the prevalent and wrong notions in the society. She was joined by Gurgaon Councilor Nisha Singh, who also condemned the mindset that's still widely prevalent in our society. She handed over the mike to Vasu Primlani, an environmentalist and stand up comedian. Within minutes she had the audience under her spell and chuckling with her one-liners like, 'They just need a hole but we don't do assholes.'

Misogyny was laid to rest in the form of a symbolic 'coffin', specially designed for it with a shroud that had all the regressive mindsets written all over it. On the coffin were some of the falsely ingrained prevalent beliefs such as: Ladkiyon ko parda karna chahiye (women should be covered); drinking and smoking is acceptable for men and women who drink or smoke are of lose character; Yeh to auraton ka naseeb hai, bardasht to karna hi padega (this is the fate of women, they have to suffer); sundar hai to dekhne ki cheez hai (if she is beautiful, then she is an object to oogle at); tum meri marzi se yahan ho, is ghar main (you are under this roof because I choose to keep you); and aurat na dikhayi deni chahiye na sunai deni chahiye (women should not be seen or heard).

The procession of 200 people started from Sahara Mall with much jubilation and music, and they went till DT Mega Mall, where Lets Walk Gurgaon did a symbolic skit called 'Aaashayien'. Nirvan Pareva from Kaash joined the group with his drum sticks and enthralled the audience.

2 PCR vans of female policewomen were on duty to look after the crowd under the charge of Sub Inspector Rani. Sub Inspector Manjula when asked about the event said, “These events should happen more and it is all good for people who are educated but what about those who do not understand?” Although a valid question but as everyone was saying we have to start somewhere. The crowd of 200 people moved from Mega mall to Sahara again where a flash mob was conducted by Gurgaon Moms and the whole event was concluded by a violists and the burial of the coffin under shoe boxes and sweet distribution.

Sehba Imam, who was an active member, and one of the main organizers, was happy with the way everything happened and said, “People wanted a platform to voice their opinion. I am very happy that men participated too and we could ignite the passion.” Anushree Mishra, the lady behind the whole idea was also all smiles post event. She added, “I am especially pleased with all the volunteers who came in their own and helped us. This event was a culmination of all positive feelings.” Promising more such events for Gurgaon people the event came to an end.

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