Paryushan came and went

 Paryushan ended yesterday on the 31st of August. On the last day everyone exchanged messages of Khamat Khama and Micchami Dukkadam. Just a beautiful tradition, humbling and comforting. It is basically asking for and giving forgiveness for any harm or hurt we may have inadvertently or consciously caused to anyone. Fortunately, most people intellectually understand, that if they have been the cause of pain to another, they are not absolved from repeating their mistakes or future behavior. However, it is comforting to say it. 

In my personal opinion and in my life, I find that apologizing, and asking forgiveness, just humility as a core strength, or value system is the most comforting feeling. It comes to me so easily. It saves argument, which is quite abhorring really. 

I have heard Jainism described as ‘Hinduism on steroids’. One of the beauties of Jainism is that there’s minimal ritual, and an absence of priestly Pooja’s. Where priests are involved, being human, they can sometimes play favorites, and even decide whether or not they want to like you. 

The Hindu Calendar has started its busiest time of the year. At this time, India is celebrating the Ganesh Festival. Bombay will be a party city, as this religious festival becomes more and more commercialized. This will be followed by Shradh or Pitrupaksh, 15 days of piety in remembrance of our ancestors. Then the Navratri festival begins, celebrating the 9 nights in honor of the Mother Godess, in all her forms. During these months, my heart longs to be in India, especially for the Durga Puja dance, the Dhunuchi Naach. I’ve been seeing it on Yiu Tube. Navratri was a prominent festival in my mother’s life. She specifically celebrated the 8th day, and gave Kanjak to little girls, and even to little boys. That may not have been traction, the boy thing, but then, my mum preferred being fair to the kids, than to buckle to tradition blindly.

Temples arrange special festivities and Pooja’s, so it’s a great time to air your sarees and silks, as there’s lots of temple going, and lots of socializing. 

Dussehra will close out the Navratris and then everyone will be looking forward to Diwali. It’s also wedding season in India. Certainly not the time to buy diamonds or gold, as their prices peak in the season. 

Here, Thanksgiving and Christmas follow in quick succession. Another year accelerating to a close. We couldn’t wait for 2022 to arrive, after the difficult time in 2020-2021, and now 2022 is on its way out. All eyes are on 2023.  

May all our days that remain, be good to us.

Veenu Banga

September 2nd, 20200

1:29 am.