In the Hindu religion, they have a ceremony called Puja: Pūjā is a prayer ritual performed by Hindus to host, honour and worship one or more deities, or to spiritually celebrate an event. Sometimes spelled phonetically as pooja or poojah, it may honour or celebrate the presence of special guest(s), or their memories after they pass away.
Since they have moved into a new house, they needed to have a Puja. And to do it properly, they read from their sacred writings for 2 1/2 days, 24 hours a day; they can take small breaks. Akanksha was waiting for her parents to come from India to help with this ceremony. It began on Thurs and ended on Sunday. On Sunday a priest came, who is skilled in knowing procedure and the special chants and prayers necessary. They invited Rick and me, and Peter (another member of Rick's lead team, who has actually spent a lot of time in India working for Hospira's facility there, and appreciates Indian food and culture).
We also were allowed to participate in the last 30 min as guests. Symbolic water is offered, a sacred thread tied on the wrist, incense and a burning lamp are waved before the image, red and black bindi on the forehead. Rick and I had the black bindi and the sacred thread put on. Rick and I felt very honored to have been invited to participate, even in such a small way, in this special occasion.
Then a traditional meal of Indian foods, which was delicious. Hindus are vegetarian; Akanksha still is but Sudeep and the kids will eat meat.
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Akanksha's mother, Anya and Akanksha   |
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