The 15 day long rituals in worship of our ancestors Shraadha or ‘Pitrapaksh’ begins today-ending on 11th October. This is a good time to feed at least one hungry person and the birds some rice and milk. Too many Why’s, What’,what for’s are not really necessary. All the same if answers are sought a little reading on the subject will help. In any case lovingly feeding hungry souls can never be a bad idea nor can worshipful remembrance of ancestors.
It is recommended that new ventures , new purchases not be made during this period. You will notice the decrease in number of releases of Bollywood films or for that matter announcements/mahurats for new ones. Perhaps those who most strictly adhere to this rule is our Bollywood fraternity. ‘Why risk it’ perhaps their inner dialogue. For non believers this is simply meant to be time of the year when we should concentrate our energies and prayers for those departed souls who have played a role in our life. Our karma here may help them forward in their journey. Its the spirit world, proof of its prevalence surrounds us if we only care to notice. We take the prevalence of the remote and its functions for granted , yet are hugely skeptical of Indian rituals. .isnt the underlying principle similar?
Sachiniti 
Thanks for the reminder Kaveetaa. The media highlights festivities but hardly ever focuses on such traditions. Thanks once again. I might have missed it otherwise.. must let wifey know. 🙂
Comment by Jatin Lall — September 27, 2007 @ 12:45 pm |
Shraadha or Pitrapaksha begins today
Useful information.. do’s and donts for the next 15 days of ancestor worship.
Trackback by ekjut.com — September 27, 2007 @ 12:49 pm |
We also call them “Kanagat” in this part of the country. Other than new purchases, even haircuts are postponed in this period.
Comment by Amit Agarwal — September 27, 2007 @ 1:13 pm |
Nice thoughts! keep reminding us our values and traditions …
Comment by Laxmi — September 27, 2007 @ 2:06 pm |
Hi Jatin..glad to be of help… any time 🙂
Hi Amit..welcome!:)
Y’know what.. never heard of ‘kanagat’..Must be pretty stringent too.. no haircuts!! So yesterday must have been a good day for barbers in your part of the country. Tried looking up for kanagat on google too..no go…Are you from the Jain community?
Hi Laxmi.. Thanks. We have to keep traditions going. It is the cornerstone of cultural longevity I guess.
Comment by kaveetaakaul — September 27, 2007 @ 7:22 pm |