It was 'Akshaya Thrithiya' a couple of days back .. The 11th of May 2005. Not many can miss it as the papers were up with the news from almost a week before the actual day. One could see all the papers filled with the advertisements given by the Jewellery stores in town, about discounts, about the pre-bookings that an be made for your jewellery purchases, about some benefit schemes.
An interesting thing was that every article on the topic emphasized on "buy gold on this day and your wealth will get doubled (or may be more or even better 'it keeps growing!'"
I had been to the temple that evening with my mother. There was a grand arrangement. I read an article that was put up there which said that this day was celebrated as this was the day 'Kaliyuga' started years back. I was not aware of this! It amazed me by reading the article, but at the same time felt sad that the actual meaning to it is lost.
Now, it is all about acquiring "More"??
Why can’t a day like this have a better social meaning... help the needy by praying
to God that let him give enough for us and for those in real need???
This is really worth thinking. The brand names have started playing havoc with our festivals also ! After bringing in Valentine's, father's and Mother's days, they have intruded into hindu festivals as well. What with the economy booming as well, ppl just go around on buying sprees.
ReplyDeleteSad state of affairs. Dont know who said this but "if we don't curb our wants, they will become our needs".
Pratap
Thanks for visiting my page! Yeah.. the day is not too far when all our festivals are celebrated in a way that the whole idea behind it is lost
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