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Come late autumn
Golden heart of
the paddy field
Sways in joy
Has that moment
arrived
When the beloved
brothers
Sitting in a row
Cross-legged
Reverently receive
The sandal paste
mark
On their
forehead
By the sisters’
little fingers
Of the left hand?
Chanting of the
old rhyme
Of Yama and
Yamuna myth*
Makes a stronger
bond
Prayers of safety,
success and long life
Woven into
Mother Earth’s
Paddy grains and
grass shoots
Are showered on
their crowns
Sisters’
blessing they are
Among wisps of
fragrant smoke
From the incense
sticks
Blowing of conch
shells
Brass oil-lamp
holds
The flame of
faith
Among siblings,
cousins
Sisters hand them
the special dishes
To sweeten their
mouths
Gifts of love
are exchanged
Young ones touch
the elders’ feet
Mothers melt in
the warmth of love
Shared by their
sons and daughters
The whole day is
a celebration of love
*According to Rig Veda, Yama and
Yamuna were twins (brother and sister) born to Surya (Sun god). In their
earthly incarnations, Yamuna once longed to see her brother and invited Yama to
her house. When Yama, the god of death visited his sister, his sister prayed
for his well being. The other legends regarding the origin connect Vishnu,
Krishna and Mahavira.
However, according to
folklorist and social historians due to various societal changes with the
advent of agriculture, the sisters began to pray for their brothers’ safety,
well being, and success. The bhai phonta festival is rooted in that social
practice: Wikipedia
This seems like a very special time and rich tradition. I had never heard of it and I love the idea of a ceremony where sisters pray for their brothers!
ReplyDeleteJust so beautiful. The composition, yes, but also the theme - I have so much admiration for India, and yet again, for Indian women.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very sweet ritual.. how well you write about it too Sumana.. and accepting this gift also creates a special bond.. thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting tradition, Sumana. I like such traditions that connect the past with the future and also connect people in love and caring.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful poem about a beautiful tradition. I am sure this is one that strengthens the relations between siblings. "The whole day is a celebration of love" - a tradition worth preserving.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely day of celebration ~ I love the idea of giving a brother's blessings ~
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving us a glimpse of your tradition Sumana ~ Have a great week~
Lovely - as a brother to three sisters, I can tell you how much we love them.
ReplyDeleteThis is so full of love. The poem so tenderly tells of the tradition. Is there also a similar tradition where the brothers reverse for their sisters? This tradition, which is new to my knowing, has me wondering. Tradition, love, blessings....just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI am glad for reading this ~
ReplyDeleteYou made me smile - and I am glad you picked the theme to write about brotherhood, telling the world about our tradition.
ReplyDeleteI do love the way that you, so often, edify, while engaging and delighting your readers, Sumana.
ReplyDeleteThat celebration of love sounds like a wonderful tradition!
ReplyDelete