They
called it Durga Iratpa. In a makeshift shrine on a corner a
flimsy image of lady Durga is pasted on a wooden frame. Before it are stacked-up books and offerings. The books are placed with the
belief that they can be blessed and it will make easier for the
devotees to read and understand. A simple belief, but what startles
one is the inclusion of thievery and acceptance; during this weeklong
celebration stealing of offerings from others’ makeshift shrines is
religiously tolerated.
As
elders in localaties didn't miss such mischief they all say “ it’s
durga iratpa, let them have some fun.” And then on the last day of
the celebration people turn the devotees turn stern and cleansed
after a bath and in clean clothes. They take pride in the
slaughtering of vermilion-smeared animals. Here money determines the
sizes of the smeared animals; big groups with money would slaughter
goats and buffaloes , those right below them would contain themselves
with butchering a chicken, and for those who cannot afford either of
the above settle for a gasping catfish.
The
culmination of the fervour displayed with great ignorance
before the break of the dawn on the last day. Ladies in pure white
shawls and light cream sarong escorted by their male folks occupy
the long stretch of Langthabal-Hiyanthang road. Ask any of them where
they are headed, “towards the hill where the goddess of Hiyangthang
resides.” will be the response.
It was
a site, the stop of the hill, where the goddess Hiyangthang resided ,
but during the aggressive Hindunisation, endorsed by the swords of
the kings, a Shiva lingam was installed in its place. Whosoever enters
the site can see this. From the foothill till the top long lines of
thousands of people are pressed between bamboo railings on either
side manned by volunteers from boy’s scouts and girl’s guide and
supported by armed commando personnel who take pleasure at watching
the clueless crowd. No one among these over-excited devotees tries to
enquire the management committee why they have a Shiva Lingam instead
of Goddess of Hiyangthang, the height of stupidity.
Such
stupidity is also displayed subconsciously as common practice among
motorists who kill themselves in front of Hindu goddess Kali temple
between Yaishkul and the misnamed Babupara( the domain of the babus,
a hindi word), as though this is the most stylish name for an area
reserved for the elected legislatures. Perhaps people should try an
Aglicised one“ Diplomat Land”, since it is English it will
enhance the quality in the name.
When a
motorist drives past this spot, which once entertained the Sanamahi
before everything was obliterated and Kali was installed, the
individual turns his/her head to bow towards the site and lifts the
right hand randomly to touch his forehead and chest for a while to
offer his prayer. And people think they must do this each they pass
this site in order to avoid Kali’s wrath, meaning getting into
accidents.
But
what they( motorists) don't admit is the fact is that their attention
towards Kali while driving or riding with one hand for a while is the
factor that often sends them off the balance in an area beautified
with potholes. And the authorities too fear Kali’s wrath to go and
fill up the large potholes.
More to
come...........
They called it Durga Iratpa. In a makeshift shrine on a corner a flimsy image of lady Durga is pasted on a wooden frame. Before it are stacked-up books and offerings. The books are placed with the belief that they can be blessed and it will make easier for the devotees to read and understand. A simple belief, but what startles one is the inclusion of thievery and acceptance; during this weeklong celebration stealing of offerings from others’ makeshift shrines is religiously tolerated.
As elders in localaties didn't miss such mischief they all say “ it’s durga iratpa, let them have some fun.” And then on the last day of the celebration people turn the devotees turn stern and cleansed after a bath and in clean clothes. They take pride in the slaughtering of vermilion-smeared animals. Here money determines the sizes of the smeared animals; big groups with money would slaughter goats and buffaloes , those right below them would contain themselves with butchering a chicken, and for those who cannot afford either of the above settle for a gasping catfish.
The culmination of the fervour displayed with great ignorance before the break of the dawn on the last day. Ladies in pure white shawls and light cream sarong escorted by their male folks occupy the long stretch of Langthabal-Hiyanthang road. Ask any of them where they are headed, “towards the hill where the goddess of Hiyangthang resides.” will be the response.
It was a site, the stop of the hill, where the goddess Hiyangthang resided , but during the aggressive Hindunisation, endorsed by the swords of the kings, a Shiva lingam was installed in its place. Whosoever enters the site can see this. From the foothill till the top long lines of thousands of people are pressed between bamboo railings on either side manned by volunteers from boy’s scouts and girl’s guide and supported by armed commando personnel who take pleasure at watching the clueless crowd. No one among these over-excited devotees tries to enquire the management committee why they have a Shiva Lingam instead of Goddess of Hiyangthang, the height of stupidity.
Such stupidity is also displayed subconsciously as common practice among motorists who kill themselves in front of Hindu goddess Kali temple between Yaishkul and the misnamed Babupara( the domain of the babus, a hindi word), as though this is the most stylish name for an area reserved for the elected legislatures. Perhaps people should try an Aglicised one“ Diplomat Land”, since it is English it will enhance the quality in the name.
When a motorist drives past this spot, which once entertained the Sanamahi before everything was obliterated and Kali was installed, the individual turns his/her head to bow towards the site and lifts the right hand randomly to touch his forehead and chest for a while to offer his prayer. And people think they must do this each they pass this site in order to avoid Kali’s wrath, meaning getting into accidents.
But what they( motorists) don't admit is the fact is that their attention towards Kali while driving or riding with one hand for a while is the factor that often sends them off the balance in an area beautified with potholes. And the authorities too fear Kali’s wrath to go and fill up the large potholes.
More to come...........
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