Ponthi Vaath
- Details
- Category: November 2006
Nov 9th, 2006 - My great-grandmother waited patiently for about 5 hours in order to perform the Ponti Vaath function. The literal translation of the term Ponti Vaath is seeing the great grandchild under the light of a sacred flame. My uncle had arranged for a small function for our very close family so most of my grandmother's cousins and their children had come to attend. A Hindu priest commenced the function by first creating darkness in the room and then he recited some sacred chants. Once that was completed, he put a cloth in front of my great grandmother so that she could not see me. My mother brought me out without any clothes, apparently that is how its to be done. I did not seem to care much even though there were 25 people watching my strip-tease. |
My mother placed me gently in my great-grandmother's lap and she saw me slowly
from my toe to my head in the dim light. She seemed to be very happy to see my
face. After that part of the function, they placed me in our family crib for good
luck. Apparently my great great grandmother slept in it and all generations since
have slept in it and its considered to be a lucky crib. I am very happy that I came
all the way from America to be placed in this family crib. Not too many children
have the priviledge of seeing their great grandmother's so I should consider myself
very lucky.
After the function, there were some light snacks, a bit of laughter and fun and
people went home. For some reason, I seemed to be very happy playing with my
cousin Narayan (or maybe he is an uncle by relation). All in all it was a memorable
day in my young life.
