Author: Indo-Asian News Service
Publication: The Hindustan Times
Date: October 26, 2005
URL: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1529754,00110002.htm
Rahul celebrated his 15th birthday not by
blowing candles atop a cake but by lighting 15 earthen lamps - a trend of
traditional celebrations is now catching on among people in this Rajasthan
capital.
The well-decorated cake with birthday candles
over it, festoons and foot tapping music are slowly giving way for some to
lighting small mud lamps and prayers and even Vedic rituals.
According to sociologists, this could be attributed
to a changing mindset among the city's people - to not blindly follow western
culture or could be a sudden desire to respect ones own culture. But, the
winds of change have replaced birthday jingles in a few homes with the chanting
of Vedic verses.
According to Rahul's father Ram Mahohar: "Blowing
of candles is considered ominous, as bringing bad luck in our tradition because
it is something associated with death. I therefore persuaded my children not
to do it on their birthdays. It's not part of our culture and I am happy my
child accepted it."
"I was really happy to light the lamps,"
said the Class X student. "I found it more close to my thoughts."
The trend is catching on among some professionals
and students too.
Management student Surbhi Mathur, considered
modern by her friends, celebrates her birthday in a similar fashion.
"On my birthday I light lamps at a nearby
temple and seek blessings from my parents. Though I do throw a small party
for friends, but it never includes blowing of birthday candles. I know it
doesn't auger well. Wearing western outfits is a different matter, and we
are all Indians at heart," Surbhi said.
"The Indian way of celebrating birthdays
involves prayers and rituals. Apart from being a low cost affair it also provides
mental peace which increases work efficiency," states Om Sharma, a 40-year-old
professional cameraman.
Parvesh, a local businessman, says: "Every
birthday in my family is celebrated in a typical Indian manner. We offer prayers
for the longevity of the person whose birthday it is. Later, we give free
lunch to the needy."
Is the gloss of western culture fading away?