घृणास्पद
The first step to fixing something is to recognise that it is broken. Indian cultural and religious practices have problems. Let's admit to our problems rather than pointing fingers at other religions, countries, cultures. We are collectively capable of looking away when food is poured on a deity even as millions go hungry.
As a vegetarian I find the ritual sacrifice of goats by Muslims hurtful. But I must grudgingly admit that after killing the poor thing, at least they eat it, and also feed others with it. In Hindu and Jain households, we ritually burn food in हवनs, or put it in front of a deity and let it rot. Our children watch and internalise this practice.
But change is possible. In many households it is considered acceptable to give food to a poor person instead of burning it, putting it in front of a deity, or feeding a priest. Why can't more of us be like this. What exactly are we achieving by burning ghee or edible oil in a lamp?
The first step to fixing something is to recognise that it is broken. Indian cultural and religious practices have problems. Let's admit to our problems rather than pointing fingers at other religions, countries, cultures. We are collectively capable of looking away when food is poured on a deity even as millions go hungry.
As a vegetarian I find the ritual sacrifice of goats by Muslims hurtful. But I must grudgingly admit that after killing the poor thing, at least they eat it, and also feed others with it. In Hindu and Jain households, we ritually burn food in हवनs, or put it in front of a deity and let it rot. Our children watch and internalise this practice.
But change is possible. In many households it is considered acceptable to give food to a poor person instead of burning it, putting it in front of a deity, or feeding a priest. Why can't more of us be like this. What exactly are we achieving by burning ghee or edible oil in a lamp?