Significance of Entertainment

Entertainment in South Asia encompasses various social events and activities aimed at providing joy and distraction. It includes gatherings orchestrated by individuals such as a Minister to influence others, particularly a Princess, while also serving personal agendas. In the context of Purana, entertainment is exemplified by Bhima’s contributions to King Virata, highlighting that his role extends beyond mere cooking to fostering enjoyment. This concept also involves encouraging revelry among others, even amidst serious undertakings like battle.1
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Synonyms: Amusement, Diversion, Enjoyment, Recreation, Pleasure, Fun, Engagement, Leisure, Pastime, Play, Festivity

In Dutch: Vermaak; In Finnish: Viihde; In Spanish: Entretenimiento

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Entertainment'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, entertainment encompasses activities that bring joy and distraction, exemplified by Bhima's dual role of warrior and provider of amusement, thereby emphasizing enjoyment and revelry even amidst serious duties like battle.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The contribution Bhima offers to King Virata, suggesting his role goes beyond cooking to providing joy and amusement.[1]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) Activities that provide enjoyment and distraction, mentioned in the context of encouraging others to continue revelry while he undertakes battle.[2]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Prem Sagar (English translation)

(1) The celebrations and festivities organized by Yashoda for Krishna's birthday.[3]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

The concept of Entertainment in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Entertainment" describes a strategic social event orchestrated by the Minister to captivate the Princess, blending distraction with ulterior motives to advance personal agendas. This highlights the dual role of entertainment in social manipulation.

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) A social gathering or event organized by the Minister to seduce and distract the Princess while furthering his own schemes.[4]