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Not Just A Devghar

The Devghar or Mandir at home has been an integral part of my childhood and growing up years. I am not a deeply religious person, no. However I am spiritual and believe in the immense power of togetherness that certain norms and rituals facilitate. If you ask me about specific rituals you certainly won’t be impressed by my knowledge. Try asking me about what food is made on which festival, whether I’m still close to my cousins with whom I remember celebrating various religious festivals and the answer is an emphatic yes.


So today on the occasion of Gudi Padwa, when I set up the Devghar in our new home, I was overcome with emotion because this act to me signified the love and gratitude experienced in my past, and present. Seeing my children being involved in the simple act of prayer with me and my husband at the Devghar made me hopeful for a better future!


It took me back to my childhood home where my grandmother involved me and my brother in daily evening prayers along with lighting of the lamp. As we grew up our participation became less frequent but we always returned to the Devghar before embarking upon something important like an exam, interview or travel. Even today when we return to the home we created from the one that created us we never fail to pay our respects at the Devghar. I also find it extremely fulfilling to partake in the prayers with my grandmother during my stay at home. It is indeed a blessing to be able to do this and I remain grateful.


Staying away from the motherland can be difficult especially during festivals that are bound to trigger a host of memories. I then tend to latch on to certain anchors that keep me rooted; the Devghar being one and food being the other but that is a story for another day!



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