Author Description

Fanta, a retired professor, has spent her life dismissing festivals as noise, pollution, and blind superstition. She sees them as nothing more than outdated customs that disrupt rational life. But everything changes when she encounters an unusual, talking donkey near an ancient banyan tree. With a mischievous grin and an uncanny wisdom, the donkey takes Fanta on an extraordinary journey through time and cultures. Together, they travel across centuries, experiencing the essence of various festivals-Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Navratri, Parsi New Year, and more. As they witness the joy, togetherness, and deep symbolism behind each celebration, Fanta begins to question her rigid beliefs. Through humor, irony, and magical realism, Donkey Behind Tree explores the contradictions of human nature-how even those who reject traditions create their own. It highlights how festivals are not just about rituals but about human connection, history, and emotion. In a surprising twist, Fanta's skepticism transforms into reluctant appreciation. But just as she begins to embrace the meaning of festivals, the town ironically starts a new tradition-"The Day of the Donkey Behind the Tree." Fanta, once a staunch critic of celebrations, unwittingly becomes a part of the very thing she once mocked. Donkey Behind Tree is a whimsical yet thought-provoking tale that challenges perspectives, blending satire, magical storytelling, and cultural introspection.