Stay Secular

I was too excited to return to my hometown after a long time. I must say, I am not homesick. But, I just missed it. The first sight of my homeland from the window seat of KSRTC (public buses in Kerala, but it's not at all a simple bus for us, it's an emotion), is the best feeling ever. I could feel the fresh smell of cool breeze coming from the paddy fields. Ah... then comes the River Pamba...something I should never miss to mention. In simple words, Pamba is the our soul. From the famous "Aranmula Boat Race" to the well-known "Maramon Convention" (I was taught that it is Asia's largest religious convention), all are related to River Pamba. These all are like festivals for us.

When I was immersed in the nostalgic thoughts, the bus suddenly took a bend. Soon, I could see 'flux' boards saying "Save Sabarimala." Yes..I live in the land of Lord Ayyappa. Even though I am a Christian, I will proudly say that. These boards made me to remember my school days, when I used to fight with my classmates to get more "Aravana" (Prasad from Sabarimala), when my Muslim friend secretly told me about his father's visits to Sabarimala after taking 41 days fasting (we say it Vritham), when we used to tempt the Swamis (devotees who put "Maala" to go there and they will have Vritham) by showing non-veg food items and when my girlfriends used to explain their last visits to meet Ayappa and the reason for their long wait.

I remember those days when me and my brother used to wait by the roadside to meet Swamis who pass by our house. They will give us something for sure. When "Thankaabharanam" (a ritual ) passes by our area, my father and his church friends will arrange refreshments for the devotees.

Somehow, I felt proud of my people. Because, I was taught in my childhood itself, to respect and follow our land's culture and tradition. Not only me, all children were taught, I believe. For us, Sabarimala is not just a pilgrimage place, but a part of our lives.

I have seen Lord Ayappa many a times, even though I never went there. I have a belief in all their traditions because I believe all religions are based on some traditions.

When the bus reached the bus station, I put an end to all my subjective thoughts wondering if my children would have a secular childhood like mine.