Today was a tiring but a special day. It was the day we had all been eagerly waiting for - my uncle's Sashtiaptapurti celebration (60th birthday).
As I walked into the brightly lit hall, I could feel the excitement building up inside me. The air was thick with the fragrance of fresh flowers and the sound of traditional music filled my ears.
My uncle and aunt (or as I address them, 'Chach' and 'Chitthi'), the stars of the day, were seated surrounded by loved ones who had come to celebrate this special occasion with him. The joy on their faces was palpable as they looked around the room, taking in all the love and warmth that surrounded them. While it's his birthday but it's an important day for both as they re-read their wedding vows.
As the ceremony began, the pujaris chanted ancient mantras and performed elaborate rituals. It was a beautiful sight to see my uncle being blessed with long life, good health, and prosperity. I could feel my heart fill with pride as I watched my uncle receive the blessings of the God. The celebration continued with delicious food, lively conversations, and laughter that echoed throughout the hall.
As the event drew to a close, I looked at my uncle with a deep sense of admiration and respect. He has lived a life full of hardwork, filled with love, laughter, sacrifices and countless memories. And on this day, we had come together to honor him and celebrate his journey. He has played an important role in my life, always there to offer guidance and support whenever I needed it. In fact both of them. A large part of who I'm today is because of the blessings from the elders in the family.
I walked out of the hall, my heart filled with a sense of gratitude for the wonderful people in my life. Such functions remind us of the importance of family, love, and the bonds that hold us all together.