Ashtami: Matriarchy and Patriarchy the Indian Conversations
Ashtami prayers bring forward memories of childhood days of prayers as part of Navaratri, the Navratri food was special, however as kids the end was with the special prayers was on Ashtami or Navami pooja where nine young girls would be prayed to and fed; we the young unruly brats prostrated in front of them for blessings. We saw our dads bow in prayer and we followed suit and the young girls blessed us as embodiment of the goddess. They were the same girls who would play around us in the neighbourhood but on this day they were special. It was a ritual but did it leave an impression on our minds and souls. Nowadays, it all has probably toned down as we are lesser prone to prostrating in front of even gods and hence bowing to little Durgas would need a major ego cleansing effort. Have we evolved or moved back in evolution? I am not too sure. India’s richness is in its diversity and unity despite the diversity. The diversity has nurtured both patriarchy and matriarchy in various par...