Culture is defined as a way of life. Different cultures are characterised by their customs and beliefs. A landmark of Hinduism is its rich culture of traditions, food, dress, festivals, religion, etc. How vibrant a culture is depends on the intensity of its practice. So, how vibrant is Hinduism in our homes? Do we light a deeya, offer jal, chant mantras and use the greeting ‘Sitaram’ on a daily basis? Do we fast f orthe required length of time before performing puja or observing religious festivals? Do we keep the Thursday fast even if that Thursday falls on Christmas Day or some other festive occasion? Do our children know how to respond correctly when asked why their God has many hands, wears snakes as garlands, or has a monkey or elephant face?
A society cannot exist without culture. Culture gives society its identity. Society has established that the family is responsible for teaching cultural practices to its members. Therefore patriarchs and matriarchs of Hindu homes have a crucial role to play in this regard. Authentic foods must be cooked, the art of cooking must be taught (such as how to ‘chonkay a good dhal’), traditional clothes must be worn, festivals must be observed and young family members must be introduced to the various art forms of dance, music, etc. Since children are the biggest mimics, they will follow whatever is practised by the adults. Soon enough their playful shouts of ‘swaha’, ‘sitaram’, ‘kirtan’ singing and performing ‘aarti’ will blossom into meaningful living. Therefore parents must immerse their world with Hindu culture. We must introduce children to the real superheroes like Hanuman who can fly and ‘beat up any bad person’; Lord Shiva who destroys evil by burning them to ashes with his eyes; Durga Maa who can tame a tiger and destroy demons.
The practice of our Hindu culture affords us so many merits. The gaiety and splendour of Phagwa fills us with fun; the sanctity of Divali brings experiences of spirituality and unity; Raksha Bandhan enhances bonding and the close-knit relationship we traditionally share with our siblings. Grandparents, other elders and the family pundit provide us with on-the-spot mentors, counsellors and advisors. More importantly, the practice of our culture provides us with our identity, a sense of who we are. According to psychologist, Abraham Maslow, identity fulfils our psychological and social needs for a sense of belonging, self worth and good self-esteem, all necessary tools for healthy growth and development. This sense of identity may provide good defence mechanisms for our children against assimilation into other cultures.
We raise our hands in unity and proclaim, “Hum Hindu hain,” when called upon to do so by our pundits. However, our pride must go beyond words. We must become publicly proud as the Hare Krishna devotees (usually white in ethnicity), who will walk through Florida’s crowded, modern South Beach dressed in dhoti and sari, chanting God’s name and dancing to the beat of the dholak and the chimes of majeera. We must wear our kurta as proudly as Brad Pitt did on his visit to India. We should publicly glorify our culture like the non-Hindu yoga instructors who willingly use the terms vinyasa, aasanas and who, at the end of their demonstration, will clasp their hands, bow and say, ‘Namaste’.
Hindu families can ensure the preservation of their culture by simply passing on the baton of dharma to their children. They can do so by transmitting the traditions, way of life, customs and belief from one generation to another to continue the links with our forefathers and so keep our cultural heritage alive.
By Mrs. Mala Persad
Guruprasad R Panamalai
Yes Inded