We are almost at the end of 2024 and ready to welcome 2025 with festivities all over the world. Soon, we shall be promising ourselves New Year resolutions—many of which often lose their depth as the months pass and transform into something else. Transforming everything that gives comfort and pleasure to suit one’s comfort zone is human nature. Reflecting on this, I found myself pondering how festivities themselves have transformed over time, to the extent that they seem to be losing the essence and intent behind their celebration.
Indeed, celebrations, whether rooted in religion, culture, or social practices, have long been intrinsic to human society. They are meant to mark milestones, express gratitude, and bring people together in joyous communion. However, in the modern era, the essence of these celebrations often appears diluted. Who is to blame for it: commercialization or the complacency of society?
In this blog, we shall explore the impact of commercialization and human attitudes on festivities. Primarily, we shall concentrate on the foundational samskaras of Hinduism. the focus seems to be shifting from spiritual and cultural significance to materialistic indulgence.
The Core of Celebrations: A Historical Perspective
The Samskaras of Hinduism
For centuries in India, before the foreign invasions and the subsequent attack on traditional Indian culture—both by external forces seeking to impose their will and by internal factors like Brahmins spreading ignorance and superstition instead of gyan (knowledge)—samskaras gradually began transforming. Over time, these foundational rites of passage became increasingly ritualistic, often focusing on elaborate ceremonies rather than their original spiritual intent. This over-ritualization, driven in part by financial motives, eventually led to a dilution of their core meaning. In the modern era, commercial interests have further overshadowed the original significance of these practices.
These rites of passage, traditionally meant to mark significant stages in an individual’s spiritual and worldly journey, have increasingly lost their essence. From conception to death, the sixteen samskaras were designed as tools for personal growth and societal harmony. Below, we delve into each samskara to explore its intent, traditional practices, transformations, and current relevance.
1. Garbhadhana (Conception)
Intent: To sanctify the act of conception and invoke blessings for a virtuous and healthy child.
Earlier Practices
Garbhadhana was performed as a prayerful ceremony to seek divine blessings before conception. The couple engaged in rituals that emphasized their intent to bring a child into the world with a sense of responsibility and spirituality.
Transformations
In modern times, this samskara is almost forgotten, with the focus shifting entirely to medical and scientific approaches to conception, often devoid of spiritual context.
Desirable Restoration
Awareness campaigns can reintroduce the importance of sanctity and mindfulness during conception, blending spirituality with modern science.
2. Pumsavana (Fetus Protection)
Intent: To ensure the health and well-being of the fetus.
Earlier Practices
This ritual, performed in the early months of pregnancy, involved prayers and offerings to protect the fetus and ensure a safe pregnancy.
Transformations
Today, medical checkups and prenatal care have replaced these rituals, with little to no emphasis on spiritual aspects.
Desirable Restoration
Incorporating prayers and mindfulness practices into modern prenatal care can bring a balanced approach.
3. Simantonnayana (Baby Shower)
Intent: To bless the expectant mother and her unborn child.
Earlier Practices
This ceremony focused on the well-being of the mother and child, with relatives offering support and blessings. It involved rituals and mantras to ensure a smooth delivery and a healthy baby.
Transformations
Modern baby showers often lack the spiritual essence, focusing more on gifts and social gatherings.
Desirable Restoration
Reintroducing traditional practices alongside contemporary celebrations can preserve the cultural significance of this samskara.
4. Jatakarma (Birth Ceremony)
Intent: To celebrate the birth of a child and invoke blessings for their future.
Earlier Practices
Jatakarma involved welcoming the newborn with specific rituals, mantras, and blessings from elders. Honey and ghee were offered to the baby as part of the tradition.
Transformations
Today, this ceremony is rarely performed, replaced by hospital-based celebrations or naming ceremonies.
Desirable Restoration
Encouraging families to perform Jatakarma rituals at home or in temples can help preserve its spiritual intent.
5. Namakarana (Naming Ceremony)
Intent: To formally name the child and bless them for a prosperous life.
Earlier Practices
Namakarana was performed on the 11th day after birth, with astrological consultations to choose an auspicious name. It was a deeply spiritual occasion.
Transformations
Modern naming ceremonies are often devoid of the astrological and spiritual aspects, focusing instead on convenience and social trends.
Desirable Restoration
Combining traditional rituals with modern practices can add depth and meaning to this important samskara.
6. Vivaha (Marriage Ceremony)
Intent: To sanctify the union of two individuals and celebrate the joining of two families.
Earlier Practices
Traditional weddings were deeply communal and spiritual events. Neighbours and relatives actively participated in preparations, from cooking and cleaning to singing folklore and performing skits. The ceremonies emphasized vows, family bonds, and sacred rituals such as Vedic chants, Hawan, and Kirtan. It was customary for neighbours to host wedding guests as part of their social responsibility, fostering a strong sense of community.
Marriage in earlier times was not just about the couple but also about strengthening familial and social bonds. The rituals carried profound spiritual meanings, with the chanting of mantras guiding the couple towards a harmonious and righteous life. The ceremony was simple, yet its essence lay in the authenticity and sincerity of the rituals, ensuring the sanctity of the occasion.
Transformations
Modern weddings have become highly commercialized, focusing more on grandeur and partying than on spirituality and community bonding. Event management companies have replaced traditional communal efforts, and rituals are often reduced to mere symbolism. Today, the priority seems to have shifted towards impressing attendees with lavish decorations, expensive outfits, and extravagant feasts. Often, the spiritual and familial essence of the wedding is overshadowed by ostentation and competitiveness.
Destination weddings, pre-wedding shoots, and multiple ceremonies have further added to the financial burden, especially for families with modest means. The inherent simplicity and meaningfulness of marriage rituals are frequently lost amidst the glitter and glamour of such events. This commercialization not only alienates economically weaker sections but also distances the ceremonies from their original purpose of fostering love, understanding, and commitment.
Current Status
Marriage functions today are perhaps the most transformed of all social ceremonies, marked by an increasing emphasis on extravagance and display. The sense of community and shared responsibility has dwindled, with the focus now on individual families showcasing their wealth and status. The commercialization has made it increasingly difficult for families from lower economic strata to meet societal expectations, leading to financial stress and social exclusion.
Desirable Restoration
The following steps are recommended to restore the sanctity and simplicity of marriage ceremonies:
- Community Organizations: Religious and caste-based community groups should take the lead in promoting simplicity, authenticity, and a focus on meaningful rituals.
- Encouraging Community Participation: Traditional practices of involving neighbours and relatives in wedding preparations should be reintroduced wherever practical. This fosters a sense of belonging and shared joy.
- Accredited Pandits for Rituals: Ensure that all marriage rituals are performed with due sanctity by Pandits who are trained and accredited. These Pandits should explain the significance of each ritual and vow, making the ceremony spiritually enriching rather than symbolic.
- Simplification of Rituals: Reduce the number of ceremonies and events to focus on the core aspects of the wedding. This will not only make the celebrations more meaningful but also reduce the financial burden on families.
- Social Awareness Campaigns: Educate people about the true essence of marriage as a sacred bond rather than a platform for showcasing wealth. Encourage families to prioritize the spiritual and emotional aspects over materialistic displays.
By restoring the communal and spiritual essence of marriage ceremonies, we can create meaningful celebrations that strengthen family and community bonds while honouring our rich traditions.
7. Antyeshti (Funeral Rites)
Intent: To honour the departed soul and aid its journey.
Earlier Practices
Traditionally, attending funerals and collecting dry sticks and wood for the cremation was considered a communal responsibility. Rituals included chanting mantras before the cremation and performing the final rites.
Transformations
Urbanization has shortened and simplified funeral practices. The environmental risks of smoke pollution have increased the advocacy for electric crematoriums. However, traditional wood-based cremations remain the preferred choice, even among elites, who often serve as role models for societal behaviour.
Current Status
Less than 10% of funerals are conducted using electric crematoriums.
Desirable Change
Elites should lead the shift towards electric cremation to set an example for environmentally sustainable practices. The spiritual and Vedic essence of the rituals, including prayers and chants, must be authentically preserved.
Impact on Economically Weaker Sections
- Financial Strain: Over-commercialization of Samskaras has placed unsustainable financial pressure on the lower and middle classes. This issue, being deeply social, should ideally be addressed at the societal level. Religious and caste-based groups must discourage unnecessary extravagance and promote moderation.
- Exclusion: Those unable to afford lavish celebrations often feel alienated or resort to unsustainable loans. In rural areas, farmers sometimes divert loans meant for agricultural investments towards celebrating Samskaras, leading to devastating consequences, including suicides. A particularly distressing case involves a maidservant who pawned her only gold jewellery to fund a ritual under societal pressure. Unable to repay the loan, she lost both the jewelry and the money she had paid in instalments. Such practices alienate individuals and perpetuate cycles of poverty when extravagance becomes the norm.
- Loss of Meaning: The increasing focus on materialism detracts from the values of simplicity, gratitude, and spirituality that Samskaras are meant to embody. Religious organizations must take the lead in raising awareness about the true purpose of these rituals. Standardizing rates for ceremonies and accrediting Pandits can help curb exploitation and promote fair practices.
What Can Be Done?
- Reignite Awareness: Educate communities about the historical and spiritual roots of Samskaras to foster deeper understanding and appreciation. Sometime ago I attended the Grih Pravesh Puja of a close relative. The Pandit performing the Puja couldn’t even pronounce the mantras properly and was checked by one of the guests for deliberate shortcuts in Puja in spite of charging a heavy fee. The awareness is therefore important to restore sanctity in rituals and get back to spirituality and blessings from the divine.
- Encourage Sustainability: Advocate for eco-friendly and minimalistic practices, reducing wasteful expenditure. For example as mentioned above, elites should set an example before the masses by cremating in the Electric Crematoriums.
- Foster Inclusivity: Promote community-driven celebrations that prioritize participation over opulence, ensuring no one feels excluded. Community marriages for poor sections of the society is a good initiative by some individuals and societies. Yet this practice is not yet common enough. This should be encouraged with tax incentives by the Government.
- Practice Mindfulness: Embrace the principle of detachment, celebrating with purpose and joy rather than excess. These values should be instilled right from the school times.
By reclaiming the essence of Samskaras, we can honour their true purpose: uplifting the spirit, strengthening relationships, and nurturing a sense of belonging. Let us strive for meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable celebrations that enrich both our inner lives and the world around us.
Inspire Positivity 