What I Wrote to My Cousin Just Now

The Context: Celebration of My Paternal Uncle’s 1st Death Anniversary

M,

I thought you were an anti-Modi atheist, a lion.

But, what do I discover, you are just a sheep.

Following the herd.

How so?

Because you are celebrating Chicha’s 1st Death Anniversary.

Now, you who do not believe in God, karma, afterlife, soul, in what way are you seeking to benefit Chicha, because in your worldview he no longer exists?

You may say, no, I am doing it for my own sake, for our sake, keeping Dad’s memories and love alive in our own hearts.

I will grant you that.

But, I who know the truth of things, let me tell you what will really happen.

Chicha (or Chicha’ soul) is now happily resting in Heaven. He is going round chirpily saying, “Yo Indra, how is it going, dude”, etc.

Now, on 30th (or is it 31st?) you plan to call S’s chuttalu-bukkalu (strange for you who do not believe in religion) and what will they do? [S is M’s husband and a Brahmin]

These S’s relatives are aari-therina vaaru. Do not underestimate them. They have these powerful astras called Vedic mantras.

Vaallu, when they start chanting “Om bhur bhuvasva…bhargo devasya deemahi” or whatever else they chant, Chicha’s soul ni, which is resting peacefully in Heaven now, girruna thirugukuntu bhoomi meedi ki vachhela chesthavi aaa Vedic mantras. Eee Brahmins aasha maashi vaalu kaadu suma – maha shakti vanthulu…vaalla mantraalu vere level.

So, Chicha soul nu atla trouble chesthe neeku emosthundi?

Papam Chicha must have forgotten all of us, must be feeling glad that he has forgotten all of us, feeling that “Gosh, that Dyapa family was one weird bunch of folks. Glad to be out of their company now…tra la la la la…”

Leave poor Chicha alone, no? 🙂

But, you are a sheep, you will not listen to me. You will do the ceremony, against your own principles and understanding, because that is what everyone does, that is how things are done in India, that is how we Hindus do, etc.

Sigh!!

Maybe we can look at it as a way of letting S’s chuttalu-bukkalu earn their livelihood.

Let the leela continue.