Fragrance of Navratri is in air these days... incense sticks spreading tranquility around... markets are bright..colorful lights...red chunnari..bangles..mehandi waalas... sweets... As if blessings are showering all around. Navratri is a festival of Maa.... Maa Sherawaali !!
Having been brought up in a multi-faith environment, she is pretty close to my heart. I do have her picture in my room. I am not sure if she actually looks like this but I don't care. This picture is perfect. She is serene..motherly.. lovely.. yet armed with weapons to fight the monsters when time requires. Her multi-hands..symbolising multi-powers/virtues.. I bow to you.... out of love and respect..Dil se.. and yes, in the little corner of my heart... I wish to be like you Maa..
Well...when it comes to doing religious rituals.. nothing compares us - The Indians. Today.. most of us will start their fast for next 8-9 days.. with daily prayers and chanting and other prescribed rituals. This is good thing but.. lets do it with mindfulness..
So, I have a request for you all.. especially the 'male phenomenon' around:
While you do offer your prayers to Maa, try to look in her eyes. She is a woman.. a daughter.. a daughter-in-law.. a wife.. a girlfriend.. a mother.. doesn't matter..if she is related to you or to someone else... She is a woman!! Most of the women I know around... are pious.. innocent.. lovely.. self-giving and of motherly nature... While you offer your prayers to Maa..Can you promise Maa to treat other women around you with dignity and respect?
While you stay hungry or refrain from "Anaaj", Can you refrain from infidelity too? Can you be vigilant to the misdeeds being done to women around.. may be in your house.. or in your neighborhood.. in your school or college or office.. Can you stand for them? Can you stand against the people humiliating these women?
While you sing Maa's devotional songs.. sing it from heart.. Close your eyes..and sing these songs as loud as you can..as if you are doing 'brahmari' pranayam.. When you are done with.. Feel her presence around you. Maa doesnot only live in these idols. She is there around you in different forms. I wonder how can people who abort their girl child..can ever ever ever.. do their worship?? Can you try to keep your conscience clean? Can you promise to treat your daughter at par with your son?
Lets rise above the hypocrisy. If you do wish to celebrate Navratri.. do it from heart.. "Dil se" and celebrate it 365247.. Maa is not around for just a season.. She lives in every girl... Watch out!!
For those, who holds a mindset that a women is just a sexual object or inferior entity at the receiving end. Come on.. There are professional prostitutes and whole porn industry to cater for you guys. Please don't pretend to be civilised and intermingle among us. Kindly leave this Pandaal...as we are here to celebrate 'Dil se'.. GET OUT!