Not Deserting Rats, Pioneers:
This is how it all began….
Sumari – 1876 (A Fictionalized
Account)
Durga Dutt Caulla was a
worried man. Although his eldest son survived the draw of lots when providence
struck in most bizarre way; Nityanand suffered debilitating fall from daand at
Kali Temple, lost one leg so became ineligible for the lots. His close friend Shanti
Bhushan Bahuguna was not so lucky. In a few days, young dashing and amiable
Narayan Bahuguna will be history. Narayan who had always been the good samaritan,
go getter and in the forefront of social life of village will be obliterated. From
tomorrow bizarre rituals will begin gradually gathering tempo both in riotous
color and cacophonous din, reaching climax on kartik full moon when Narayan
will have his head sheared at the altar of the village deity. Durga Dutt has
been asking the same question over and over again in his mind yet couldn’t
verbalize it. Why this waste? Are we really worshipping God? Why do Gods want
to be appeased?. Why do they get angry at failing of mortals? If Gods are to be
appeased in the same way a Satan wants to be appeased then where is the
difference? If Gods are to be appeased, worshipped and generally kept in good
humor then don’t they contradict the very meaning of God! It occurred to him
there appears a role reversal, humans seem to be acting as Gods and Gods susceptible
to Maya, Moh and false ego.
People generally had an idea
when this tradition took root and how the process was fine tuned. Sumari was a
prosperous village amid all round deprivation. The apparent rationale for this
perennial prosperity was attributed to the grace of village deity residing in
an ancient temple at the edge of village, atop high summit. Ma Kali had her
unshakable resting place at the ancient temple at the summit of high mountain. A fiery
image evoking fear more than awe; village folks groveled at her feet in utter
submission. This was their natural reflex reaction buttressed by clearly
visible signs of good life in the village amid desperation outside it. Quite
obviously people are edgy about good fortune as the fear lurks always at the
back of their mind. People trust status quo and are willing to submit to bizarre
demands of conventions to maintain it. The constant weighing of cost-benefit clearly
tips in favor of tradition; the price is too small for assumed assured prosperity.
To be concluded
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