We Rajasthanis celebrate the birth of boys with great enthusiasm (sadly not the same for all girls). The boy's first holi is celebrated just like his wedding.
It is called dhundh. So the little kid is dressed like a groom, taken to jain temple on a horse, band and bajaa, family and friends to celebrate, delicious food and play of colours later on.
Maternal grandparents shower their little male grandchild and his family with lots of gifts, sweets, jewellery and clothes. Most important is the baby groom's attire.
Men welcome their male relatives and counterparts while women adore the kid singing dhundh geet (songs to praise the charm of the baby while blessing him).
Generally it is this. Changes depend of families, their choices and their respective traditions. All in all it is a mini wedding, but without the bride.
So I'm here at a friend's son's dhundh and after visiting the temple, we headed the venue for the function. Everyone is catching up, kids are having their time, relatives are gossiping and just before we could enter the function area, 2 ladies stood outside singing dhundh geet.
I looked to my right and noticed it was my friend's mom and aunt. And it took me back 7 years when it was Cherith's dhundh. In all the meet and greet, only a mother will remember to do these traditional things pouring her child and grandchild with cascading love and special blessings.
I remember when we were going to the temple, Maa was sitting right beside me with Cherith is her hands singing dhundh geet all alone. She did not care how loud she sounded, whether she could pull it off alone (it's usually sung my many ladies together), or even if anyone was listening to her or not.
I remember her enegertic gesture, playing with cherry, kissing him loads with more and more love catapulting. The moment I had that scene running in my mind my eyes filled and I could not control my tears.
I stopped before it got embarrassing and someone looked at me and wondered why I was crying in a place where people are happy, singing and dancing.
But it got me thinking how drastically things have changed not only for us but for our kids as well. Those hands that always blessed, arms that always hugged, faces that smiled and prayers that were meant only for our kids just vanish one day. I'm sure all that continues from heavens above but we miss it in real.
Everyone's wishing happy Mother's day to all the women who hold that kind of place in their lives. I wished Maa in the morning and dont feel like extending my wishes to anyone else apart from her. Because no one ever did and ever will hold that place in my heart.
Hoping you are in a happy place and looking at us Maa...
