Newsletter -August 2020
Namaste/Vanakkam:
Even as we get into the middle of August, most of us in the community continue to Shelter in Place or juggle with the challenges of work in unique ways. For Indians born in the sub-continent, this month is always spent in the celebration of Independence Day. The darker challenges of that time including the tearing apart of families due to partition are very easily pushed to the background. It behooves us to remember the challenges that our earlier generations faced and for us not to be complicit with the current day events across the globe which are a stark reminder that as a world community history has not necessarily made us more tolerant and humble. As a humanity it is very important for us to play an important role and support our and the next generations to use history as a stepping stone to better ourselves in the spirit of community and oneness.
There are many individuals in the community at large and within our community who are going to through very challenging times. It is both our moral and ethical duty to do everything in our power to help in whichever way we find feasible. We collectively have a lot of resources and the power of positive thinking and spreading of warm ALOHA is remarkably powerful and I would encourage all of us to exercise it to the utmost.
I would hope all who were eligible exercised their right to vote on August 8th and have marked their calendars to participate again in this civic duty on November 3rd. If we do not actively participate in this process, we have no right to complain about the outcomes of the political process.
The third Sunday of this month falls on 16th of this month. From the perspective of the course of the Pandemic in our community things are significantly worse than what they were a month ago with respect to the number of infections and increased hospital admissions and the number of individuals who have lost their lives. Dr. Bhawuk will plan to perform the pooja from noon to 2, and I urge you all to participate from your homes with your own prayers. If you do plan to visit the temple, please do not all congregate at once. The Mayor’s Shelter in Place order remains in effect and there is also an order for group activity to not exceed ten people who are urged to practice both physical distancing and personal hygiene and safety (Non medical grade mask covering mouth and nose) when interacting with other non family members.
Stay safe and warm aloha,
Venkataraman Balaraman
President
In this edition of the newsletter we are introducing a community corner and highlight of the month section and we will also continue our younger generation sharing their experiences – Sarini and Samartha Saksena share their take on the practice of Raksha Bandhan.
August Highlights and Community Activities
3rd – Raksha Bandhan
11th – Krishna Jayanthi/Janmashtami
14th – Community Food Drive in Support of the Hawaii Food Bank
15th – Indian Independence Day
22nd – Ganesha Chaturthi
22nd – Madras (Chennai Day)
29th – Muharram
31st – Onam
Young Adult Corner:
Rakhi celebrations in our family – Sarini and Samartha Saksena
One thing we can all agree upon is that the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of family like never before – especially for us young individuals, who crave our independence. For many current or recently graduated college students, these past few months were likely the longest stretch of time we’ve spent at home since graduating high school. We’ve enjoyed moms pampering us with home cooked meals and folded laundry and also experienced our share of frustration with siblings walking into our rooms without knocking or waiting our turn for the bathroom every morning. But as interactions with the outside world dwindle, the friendship with our siblings grows. We’ve bonded over playing carom, cards and ping-pong and introduced each other to new TV shows and movies. Behind the endless banters and teasing, we recognize there is unconditional love and support. As Indians, we have the unique opportunity to appreciate and gratify this friendship annually through the Raksha Bandhan ritual.
Raksha Bandhan (or Rakhi) is a Hindu practice where sisters tie a “sacred thread” around the wrist of her brothers, symbolically protecting him and keeping him on a good path. In return, the brother will give her a small gift to reciprocate that sentiment. ‘Raksha’ means protection and ‘bandhan’ means bond. There is an interesting story in Hindu mythology when Lord Indra’s sister was worried about him going on a war so she tied rakhi for his protection and assurance that all will be well.
Raksha Bandhan is a bitter-sweet event in our house because it usually occurs a couple of days or a week before we head back to college. After spending 2-3 months at home with the family, we use this occasion to celebrate and feel grateful for the time spent together. Rakhi is an event we look forward to because mom cooks our favorite Indian dishes, and I (Sarini) earn some extra pocket cash.
As important as it is to stay true to the roots of tradition, every great culture must improvise, overcome, and adapt to modern times. We of course stick with the classical ritual of tying the rakhi (which is always one of beautiful and ornate design) accompanied by the pooja and tika. We have also added our personal touch to the custom over the years that included making our own rakhi’s sometimes using art and craft supplies. I even made a flower rakhi once when I was in elementary school. Most recently, we had to substitute the ceremonial handing over of money with a Venmo transaction due to Samarth’s lack of cash. We also felt bad that our third sibling, Ipo, was being left out so we included him to the function as well (see below).
In our grandparents’ house, Rakhi is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Once we were in India for rakhi. Our grandfather invited his three sisters and their kids and grand kids for Rakhi lunch and nani was busy arranging lunch for 30+ people. Even though we celebrate Rakhi somewhat differently in our house, we remember the essence of the festival and will always be grateful for our family and siblings. This year especially, we are thankful for our time together and enduring friendship which has brought us many laughs and much entertainment in these unusual times.
Pic 1: Rakhi 2005 with grandmother
Pic 2: Rakhi 2019 with Ipo
