A Passage to India

Novel | E. M. Forster
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Significance of the Collision of the Boats after the Janmasthami Ceremony at Mau

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Discuss the underlying significance of the collision of the boats after the Janmasthami ceremony at Mau.

E. M. Forster’s (1879–1970) “A Passage to India” (1924) ends at Mau with a Hindu festival. The Janmasthami ceremony of Lord Krishna shows unity and joy. After it, Aziz’s boat and Fielding’s boat collide. This collision has deep symbolic meaning.

Unity through Nature: After the festival, Aziz and Fielding go boating. Aziz rides with his two friends, Mohammed Latif and Professor Godbole. Fielding rides with his wife, Stella, and younger brother-in-law Ralph. Suddenly, the two boats collide. Forster writes that the accident throws everyone into the water. This natural collision brings all characters together. Hindus, Muslims, and English are mixed in one river. It shows that life forces unity, even when people remain divided.

Breaking of Barriers: Aziz and Fielding were once close friends. But after the trial and misunderstandings, the distance grew. The boat collision removes this distance for a moment. Aziz saves Fielding’s wife. Fielding helps Aziz. They laugh t

ogether. Forster writes, 

“They went back laughingly to their old relationship as if nothing had happened.”

Nature removes human pride. The accident breaks social and personal barriers. 

Symbol of India’s Future: The boat collision also looks forward. Aziz still says India and England cannot be friends till India is free. Forster writes that nature itself answers, 

“No, not yet… No, not there.”

But the festival and the boats hint at hope. Hindus, Muslims, and English are thrown together. Though separated now, future unity is possible.

The boat collision after the Janmasthami ceremony is not just an accident. It is a symbol. It unites men through nature. It breaks the barriers between Aziz and Fielding. It hints at India’s future freedom and true friendship.

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E. M. Forster
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from A Passage to India