A Ritual
The couple sat on one side
of sacrificial hexagonal, where
embers burnt with golden glow,
flames leaping with clarified butter.
In white loincloth and saffron shirt,
forehead smeared with vermilion paste,
wooden beads hanging from his neck,
he was repeating the mantra in haste.
Her neck drooped with shyness,
the lady was with her husband
as the custom demanded it, with
a silken sari and golden 'bajuband'.
Om, Shanti, Om; recited the priest
hymns and eulogies to Goddess Mother,
added a twig to tempt the fire and
poured cooked rice from the corner.
The family watched the ritual in silence,
obscurity and awe written on their faces -
how does food reach gods in heavens?
the educated son reasoned in distress.
--
'bajuband' - a jewelry item, worn on upper arm.
c s shah
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