Hindu Vivek Kendra
A RESOURCE CENTER FOR THE PROMOTION OF HINDUTVA
   
 
 
«« Back
Vedic mantras replace birthday jingles in Jaipur

Vedic mantras replace birthday jingles in Jaipur

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?


Back                          Top

«« Back
 
 
 
  Search Articles
 
  Special Annoucements