Today is Mahalaya, a very auspicious for people who follow
the Hindu way of life and philosophy. The Pitru Pakhsha, whose literal translation from Sanskrit means “fortnight of the ancestors” ends on this day and is marked as a day when men perform a rite called “tarpan”. I remember from my childhood when offerings were made to our deceased
ancestors by my father. I always interpreted this as
an opportunity to remember and express our gratitude to those who have left this world.
I, not having a lot of trust on purity of the Ganges and
faith on the mantras chanted by today’s priests, prefer to remember my father
in solitude…..within the confine of my home……..inside me. I do not believe much in the pomp & show and would
love to stick to the basics in most occasions but there are many who would beg to differ!!
Extravagant celebrations when
children are born, their birthdays and weddings are not uncommon these days but the new motto of life for many
seems to be “live lavishly, go out extravagantly”.
Many among the rich,
powerful and famous are considering the “rite of passage” as the final opportunity
to flaunt their immense wealth. Their rite of passage are competing with weddings and
birthdays. People are opting for gold plated coffins, Rolls-Royce hearses and at times flying guests
to exotic locales for destination funerals.
This
article might shake your foundation while giving a new meaning for life and maybe a new goal for Death….