Remembering our Ancestors (Pitrupaksh)

The days of expressing gratitude to our elders who passed away,

Remembering them and their deeds lest our mind sway,

The things they have done and their work for us to complete,

Let us not sit back, relax but work and not look to others to compete…

Their work a big task is to spread civilisation and safegauard humanity,

We run after religions and their race for supremacy has lead to insanity,

Many have forgotten and just live in their self interest or ego or vanity,

These days are to live, love, give warmth to others and regain sanity…

Let us be open to new thoughts as founding fathers said Aano Bhadraha,

Let us go within, deep inside, realise our goal and self as in Tena twam Asi,

Let us meet as brothers as He said Sarvasya Chaham Hradisannivishta,

And thank our forefathers for leading us on this path of Tat Twam Asi…

Friends, the days of Pitrupaksh, (a fortnight to remember of our parents / grandparents and our ancestors), the most divine days of every year, are moving towards their culmination.

These days are celebrated during the monsoons when the farmers are busy with his work. Some might object to my use of word “celebrated” as the days are considered inauspicious to do any type of religious work. But I have a question, can a day of remembering my parents or grandparents who have passed away be inauspicious? It’s just that our Rishis decided that during these days we will only concentrate on remembering our fathers and so would not indulge in any other social or religious activity. What can be a more bigger worship than this!Would urge upon you my readers to think over the above mentioned thought.

Some from the new generation shun this very idea of Pitrupaksh calling themselves atheist (trending word amongst the youngsters nowadays) or non believers. Our Rishis have been humble and open enough to accept this as our way of life. But then my request to them is that please live with the same thought life long. And if not, please do not call yourselves atheist or anything, but try to find answers. “Quest about knowing is a sign of being Human”.

During these days, the sons and the daughters (yes daughters too, even if married) should perform the rituals of Shraddh.

Remember our parents/grandparents gratefully.

Recall what they have done for us.

Revisit each moment and day we have spent with them.