Raksha Bandhan celebrations are over. But pretensions have not. Thankfully, not everyone pretends. But this isn't just about Raksha Bandhan at all - it's happening across all occasions and festivals. The young domestic help who comes and cleans my home every morning had a bright smile today. She said, proudly, “ My brother took me to a shop and asked me to choose three salwar suit materials. This happens only once a year. So, I bought three materials and each cost a thousand rupees. And he also bought me two sarees and gave me some money. This happens only once a year but I feel so happy. ” Don’t get me wrong. This is not a one-incident rant. I have spoken to several people before putting out this post. Everyone had a list of material gifts they mentioned with delight, nothing to say about sweet, childhood memories with their brother. I find that very odd. I am not being judgmental about anyone. But increasingly, I get the feeling that we are becoming a ‘what-can-...
A Journey To The Inner Self | Reflections on Culture, Spirituality and Bhakti