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Can matching horoscopes guarantee us all perfect, happy marriages? Why do 'modern' people continue to put their trust in horoscopes?
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Can matching horoscopes guarantee us all perfect, happy marriages? Why do educated people continue to put their trust in horoscopes?
“… They have the same nadi so I told them to do a blood test… That will remove doubts…”
The lady in a blue sari expertly navigated the cobbled track as she conversed with her friends, who nodded in acceptance.
These words stopped me in my track that morning. It was not so much the content but the person whose words I happened to overhear. Obviously, the group of ladies walking ahead of me were off to work and were discussing a prospective matrimonial alliance. I slowed down my pace wanting to overhear more. It’s not nice to eavesdrop but this was one conversation that I had to listen to.
The lady continued to explain how that her son had really liked this particular girl but both had the same nadi*. That could be a hurdle, for which blood tests was her solution; she had got blood tests done for another newly married couple in the family as well.
I wanted to hear more but the group dispersed as each one went on a different road, and that ended my tussle with my conscience!
The amazing thing about the above conversation was that the ladies were from the local basti** and were obviously not from the so-called ‘educated’ or ‘modern’ families that people are so fond of branding themselves as. Yet, I heard a very balanced rational view about a proposal for a would-be groom where their horoscopes did not match.
It’s been said that some aspects of horoscope matching are related to blood Rh-type matching, and hence rationalists suggest that the would-be bride and groom undergo blood tests instead. Obviously, this information had permeated to many strata of our society by whatever means – radio/TV programs, newspaper articles, street plays etc.
Over the next few days, I spoke to other ladies who had supposedly less-exposure and literacy, and they seem to be convinced.
I have nothing against horoscopes. But, my best wishes to those who think that matched kundalis are the secret to a long, happy, prosperous married life! A lot of scientific research has proved that marital problems may be caused by various genetic or social or psychological factors, thus absolving the dreaded Mangal (Mars) or Shani (Saturn) or other planets for being marriage breakers.
Families proudly claim to be ‘educated’, ‘progressive’ and of a ‘liberal’ school of thought and yet take refuge in horoscopes to reject a beautiful, educated and cultured girl. India has sent the Mangalyaan out and scientists around the world have found the causes of various diseases and their remedies as well. There is a valid explanation for marriages not working out.
So who amongst us is backward or illiterate in such instances? Does being educated and literate equate to being informed and being rational in our thoughts and behaviour?
This is part of a message I received on WhatsApp:
“Education is not the name of any degree
Or
Education is not the name of any certificate that can be shown to others as a Proof.
But
Education is the name of our Attitude, Actions, Language, Behaviour and Personality with others in Real life!”
What do you think?
*health compatibility factors as considered in Indian astrology
** usually, a low income neighbourhood)
Zodiac background image via Shutterstock
Archana is a physiotherapist, fitness enthusiast, amateur field botanist and nurtures a few bonsai. Happiest on a road less traveled. read more...
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Neena was the sole caregiver of Amma and though one would think that Amma was dependent on her, Neena felt otherwise.
Neena inhaled the aroma that emanated from the pan and took a deep breath. The aroma of cumin interspersed with butter transported her back to the modest kitchen in her native village. She could picture her father standing in the kitchen wearing his white crisp kurta as he made delectable concoctions for his only daughter.
Neena grew up in a home where both her parents worked together in tandem to keep the house up and running. She had a blissful childhood in her modest two-room house. The house was small but every nook and cranny gave her memories of a lifetime. Neena’s young heart imagined that her life would follow the same cheerful course. But how wrong she was!
When she was sixteen, the catastrophic clutches of destiny snatched away her parents. They passed away in a road accident and Neena was devastated. Relatives thronged her now gloomy house and soon it was decided that she should be married off.
Women today don’t want to be in a partnership that complicates their lives further. They need an equal partner with whom they can figure out life as a team, playing by each other’s strengths.
We all are familiar with that one annoying aunty who is more interested in our marital status than in the dessert counter at a wedding. But these aunties have somehow become obsolete now. Now they are replaced by men we have in our lives. Friends, family, and even work colleagues. It’s the men who are worried about why we are not saying yes to one among their clans. What is wrong with us? Aren’t we scared of dying alone? Like them?
A recent interaction with a guy friend of mine turned sour when he lectured me about how I would regret not getting married at the right time. He lectured that every event in our lives needs to be completed within a certain timeframe set by society else we are doomed. I wasn’t angry. I was just disappointed to realize that annoying aunties are rapidly doubling in our society. And they don’t just appear at weddings or family functions anymore. They are everywhere. They are the real pandemic.
Let’s examine this a little closer.
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