Circular time or linear?

The ancient Hindu concept of time is considered to be cyclical, "it begins to end and ends to begin", an eternal 'series' of arisings and dissolvings of creation.

However, the modern concept of time is linear: things have a beginning, a middle and an end.

But isn't the immediate experience cyclical? A calendar year begins, has a middle and then comes, most ceremoniously, to an end --- only to begin this exact same process all over again!!!

In the Indian state of Bengal, at the conclusion of the four-day long Durga Puja festival, when it suddenly feels empty again after the revelry and celebrations, a common cry is "Aaste Bochor Aabaar Hobe", meaning "It'll (the festival, that is) will be back the next year. (Do not despair)!"

So in the same spirit, Aaste Bochor Aabaar Hobe --- everything, once again :)!