Today, I am in my village. My village is situated 7 kms inside the highway that lies between Rewa district and Prayagraj. Technically, it belongs to the political region of Rewa.

So, I am here to perform the annual ritual of shraadha. Shraadha is performed to recall the connection with our parents and ancestors who have departed to heavenly abode.

My daddy left this world in 2015 in October. The date on which he left is the 12th day as per Hindu astronomical calender of Shaardha month. 

My Buas had come. Bua means my dad’s sisters. So, they had come to meet us and have food with us.  Food is the meeting point of all the rituals. Be it birth, marriage or even death. The family relatives come together to express their social solidarity. 

I come over every year to perform this ritual. I am regular to it because it brings peace and harmony in my life. I feel this is an obligation for me to reconnect with my dad long after he is not presently physically. As I come here and perform the rites, I remind myself of all the sacrifices and the fine moments that we have shared together. 

Reconnecting and recalling with the past is a wonderful way to make pur life peaceful and meanigful. Unfortunately, such beautiful rituals are being forgotten by those who are mired in their day to day struggles. I think one should find time to disconnect oneself from the daily struggles and reflect and recall the past to take stock of the life. This energizes one to come back to life lying in front and live it with wisdom and improvise it with experience. 

It’s better to withdraw oneself from the battles of life now and then and use this time to be with oneself. Later in the day, I chit chatted with my cousin and went to spend some time with elderly people who are the equals to my parents. Here are some pics with them. 

At kithin babu’s place of worship

If you notice, I have tonsured my head to pay homage to the departed souls. 

It bring me lots of peace. And gives me energy and hope for the future. Time is always moving and we must move with it. But, at the same time, we must also keep our connection with the past and maintain the continuity.