Harry Potter Day: Fans on their enduring love for the fantastical world of Harry Potter

Every May 2nd, the world unites to commemorate Harry Potter, the enchanting series penned by J.K. Rowling. This literary phenomenon has transcended not just generations, but cultures, languages, and even realities. Harry Potter fans adore the series for a multitude of reasons. The series offers a thrilling escape into a world brimming with fantastical creatures, spells, and hidden wonders. Be it books, or movies, or its themes of friendship and coming-of-age, the love for Harry Potter among its legion of fans has only grown. On Harry Potter Day, experience the magic and camaraderie, as fans share their love for the world of Harry Potter.

It's a reminder that even an ordinary kid, a bit like myself, could be extraordinary
"The world of Harry Potter has been my escape and my solace ever since I read the first book all those years ago. It wasn't just about magic wands and fantastical creatures for me. What truly captured me was Hogwarts. A school of witchcraft and wizardry? Sign me up! I devoured descriptions of the moving staircases, the delicious feasts in the Great Hall, and the cozy common rooms. It felt so real, a place I could almost imagine myself getting lost in," recalls 28-year-old Jyoti Pendse.

The lawyer tells us that Hogwarts was only as magical as the people who filled it. She says animatedly, "Harry, Ron, and Hermione became my best friends. I laughed with them as they messed around in Potions, cheered them on during Quidditch matches, and held my breath as they faced terrifying dangers. They weren't perfect, sure, but they were loyal, brave, and they always stuck together â€" something I craved at that age."

When asked what kept her tied to the series throughout the years, the Pune-resident shares, "As I grew older, the stories grew darker, tackling prejudice, loss, and the fight against evil. It wasn't always sunshine and spells, but it felt real. J.K. Rowling didn't shy away from the tough stuff, and that made the triumphs all the sweeter. More than anything, Harry Potter is about the power of friendship, love, and courage. It's about standing up for what's right, even when it's scary. It's a reminder that even an ordinary kid, a bit like myself, could be extraordinary. And that's the magic that keeps me coming back to these books, year after year."

Also Read: 10 books, 2 figurines, Wand, Mandrake, Platform 9 and 3/4th sign, and music box: Looking for Mumbai's biggest Harry Potter fan

Hermione Granger showed me being different is okay, in fact, it can be your greatest strength
Many fans, especially young women, admire Hermione for her intelligence, bravery, and strong sense of justice. They see her as a role model who challenges stereotypes and fights for what's right. Mumbai-resident Riya Gupta is one of them.

"Hermione Granger has been my hero ever since I first picked up a tattered copy of Sorcerer's Stone as a kid," shares Gupta. She recalls, "Back then, I was this shy bookworm with frizzy hair and a nose buried constantly in a book. Let's just say, I wasn't exactly the coolest chick in class. But Hermione? She was everything I wanted to be â€" and more."

The 33-year-old writer shares, "Sure, sometimes Hermoine came across as a bit of a know-it-all (okay, maybe a lot of a know-it-all!), but that was never the part that resonated with me. It was her intelligence. The way her mind whirred, the mountains of knowledge she seemed to carry around with her, it was like magic (even without a wand!). It made me believe that maybe being the smartest person in the room wasn't a bad thing after all."

To Gupta, Hermione wasn't just about textbooks. "She was brave as a Gryffindor! Remember that time she brewed Polyjuice Potion in the second year, just to save a house-elf? Or when she went back in time with Harry and Ron, facing all sorts of dangers to save Sirius and Buckbeak? That kind of courage, the kind that comes from standing up for what's right, even when it's terrifying â€" that's the kind of courage I aspire to have. And let's not forget her loyalty. No matter what crazy adventure Harry and Ron dragged her into, Hermione was always there. Through thick and thin, she was their rock, their voice of reason, and their fiercest defender. That kind of unwavering friendship? It's the kind I dream of having in my own life," she opines.

Gupta reaffirms how Hermione showed her that girls can be strong, intelligent, and kind all at the same time. She concludes, "Hermoine showed me that being different is okay, in fact, it can be your greatest strength. She's a constant reminder to never underestimate the power of knowledge, courage, and a good book."

The Harry Potter movies aren't just a series I watch; they're a part of me
While there are some Potterheads who swear by the books, and others who love the movies, Sunil Khanna sees them as two different ways to experience Hogwarts. "The Harry Potter movies are more than just films for me; they're a portal to a world I always dreamed existed. The books ignited my imagination, but the movies brought Hogwarts to life in a way I never thought possible," opines 29-year-old Khanna.

He admits, "I love them both equally, each offering a unique portal into this world that feels more real than any other. The books whisper their secrets in my ear, and the movies bring the castle to life in a dazzling spectacle. Walking through the castle halls with Harry, Ron, and Hermione felt real. It wasn't just CGI; it was a world meticulously crafted, filled with detail that made me believe magic was just around the corner."

The IT executive tells us that for him the magic wasn't just visual, as the movies portrayed the heart of the story well. He explains, "Sure, some scenes were cut or changed, but the core themes of friendship, courage, and love shone through. Seeing Harry face Voldemort on the big screen, the stakes felt even higher, the emotions even rawer. There were moments that made me laugh until my stomach hurt (Fred and George messing with Umbridge, anyone?) and moments that left me in tears (Sirius' death). The movies also allowed me to connect with the characters on a deeper level."

The Bengaluru-resident tells us about how his love of Harry Potter has endured, "The Harry Potter movies aren't just a series I watch; they're a part of me. They're a reminder of the magic of friendship, the power of good versus evil, and the importance of standing up for what's right, no matter the cost. They're a comforting blanket on a rainy day, a source of endless quotes and inside jokes with fellow Potterheads, and a world I can always return to, whenever I need a little escape into a world of wonder."

Also Read: Maharashtra Day 2024: Celebrate with Solkadhi, the quintessential summer drink

True friends don't have to be perfect, they just need to be there for you, no matter what
"When I think of Harry and Ron, I'm reminded of how far they are from the typical heroes. Harry's a bit of a rule-breaker, and Ronald well, Ron can be insecure and prone to jealousy sometimes. But that's exactly why I love them. They feel real," poses 24-year-old Aditya Kapoor.

The marketing executive elaborates, "Harry inspires me with his unwavering courage. He faces danger head-on, not because he's some invincible superhero, but because he has a good heart and a strong sense of justice. He doesn't seek out trouble, but he sure doesn't back down from it either. It's a reminder that bravery isn't about being fearless, but about doing what's right even when you're scared. Then there's Ron. The guy cracks me up! His humour keeps things light even in the darkest moments. But Ron's more than just comic relief. He's Harry's loyal right-hand man. He sticks by him through thick and thin, even when things get messy (like that whole Triwizard Tournament debacle). Their friendship is the heart of the series for me. It shows that true friends don't have to be perfect, they just need to be there for you, no matter what."

In conclusion, Kapoor confesses, "Maybe I don't have a lightning bolt scar or a wand, but Harry and Ron inspire me to find my own courage, to stand up for what I believe in, and to cherish the friendships that make life an adventure. In a world that often glorifies perfection, it's refreshing to see heroes who are relatable, funny, and just a tad bit clumsy just like me and my best friends. They remind me that anyone can be extraordinary, as long as they have the heart of a Gryffindor and a loyal best mate by their side."

Also Read: How social media addiction has given rise to popcorn brain in young adults