By Sheela Srivastava
As soon as Ganpati pooja gets over after one day Shraddh period starts. These 15 days are for our departed dear and near ones, parents, and grandparents. According to the Hindu religion, we offer our love to the departed souls and remember them while donating food, grains, clothes, or money to the poor and needy. This tradition is not only in Hindus but in Islam too where it is observed as’ Shabberaat’ and in Christians as ‘Souls Day.’
Now some people think that it is only superstition. After death, if the soul moves on then what is the logic of this? Actually, it is a motivation for charity. Usually, we are not bothered by that but when it connects to our religion and traditions, then it becomes compulsory. In all religions, it is followed with faith and during this period they donate either money or some foodstuff and clothes to the poor and needy. Until a few years back, Hindus made donations only to Brahmins but now with a shift in mentality, people prefer donating to the poor and needy.
This year also Wellingtonites donated 500kg rice,245kg flour, 60kg pulse,50 kg potatoes,10 ltr oil,1008 packs of biscuits,1 kg.tea leaves,10 kg .sugar, salt, haldi, dhania,mircha and packs of rusk. Besides this 5000 rupee was also donated. All this went to an old age home where more than 600 old, helpless, mentally challenged and sick men and women live.
