The 60th birthday is a big milestone in Maharashtra, and perhaps in other parts of India, as well. On the 27th there will be a big party to celebrate my brother-in-law's 60th birthday and it will be packed with over 100 family members and old friends. Usually, we travel all over India to get to see everyone, but this time they will all be coming here to Kalyan.
Today, though, there was a more private ceremony -- or puja. In the morning, we all fasted, which in India means only eating certain foods and not going without food entirely. So breakfast was tapioca. With the husband of my brother-in-law's wife's sister officiating, brother-in-law Chhottu went through an old ritual of chants and responses that lasted about two hours. Afterward, we all gathered for the final part of the puja, clapping and chanting the ancient words.
Although it's a fairly private affair, pictures were allowed.
I would add captions, but honestly don't know what to write. So you will have to enjoy the images in complete ignorance, which is the way I enjoyed the ceremony.
Today, though, there was a more private ceremony -- or puja. In the morning, we all fasted, which in India means only eating certain foods and not going without food entirely. So breakfast was tapioca. With the husband of my brother-in-law's wife's sister officiating, brother-in-law Chhottu went through an old ritual of chants and responses that lasted about two hours. Afterward, we all gathered for the final part of the puja, clapping and chanting the ancient words.
Although it's a fairly private affair, pictures were allowed.
I would add captions, but honestly don't know what to write. So you will have to enjoy the images in complete ignorance, which is the way I enjoyed the ceremony.
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