I went to a temple after what seemed like few months now. And I am glad i did. It gives me hope. It also give me hope that no matter how western our culture might become, some things will not change. Ever.
Including:
- The moment the priest comes out with the prasad plate, everyone must converge onto him at once to get the prasad as quickly as possible. Never mind that there are only 20 people around and the prasad in his hands could easily feed 50.
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Somebody has to crib after getting the “teerth” that priests should also give them a tissue paper to wipe their hands of the holy water. [Why must then I ask, should you not get one from home itself when u fully know u are going to be in a temple?!!]
-The ABCD kids have no idea why or who they are praying in front of. Decorated in prettiest Indian dresses (Kurta-Pyjama for boys, Lehengas for girls), they must at once show others how “Indian” they are, and at th e same time follow their parent’s rituals – “Pray to this god for this, This god for that, This one for this issue….” and so on. Never mind that the kid has absolutely no idea what he/she is doing there.
- A full fledged discussion must ensue in the Temple canteen between 2 couples of how much they can eat? “Lets take 4 channa-puris, 4 yogurt rice and 4 sambar rice. No yaar, 4 will be too much – lets take 3 and share. No-No 3 might be too much, plus I am not that big of sambar fan. How about 4 channas, 2 sambar and 2 Yogurt rice then? Ek kaam karthe hain…Lets make it 3 Channas, 3 yogurt and 2 sambar….” – I had lost count what numbers they settled on finally!
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Only luxurious vehicles owners get exclusive Car Pujas. Civic, Camry, Corolla – these are petty cars, hence, they can be combined and blessed in 1 Puja. However Lexus, BMW, Benz deserve special attention; hence they are handled singularly. And oh, those items who are trying to show off their new cars – Get over it!!! These days every third desi owns a BMW!
And lastly:
- The hymn of chants, the smell of camphor and the clinging of bells always brings about a nostalgic feeling. It drives me back home.
Somehow in midst of chaos though, I am always at peace in a temple. I wish I could go there more regularly.