Elections Yes! But with Due Respect to Forefathers...

Maharashtra Assembly elections are round the corner. Polling on 13th October and counting on 22nd October. And yet...

The ruling coalition has been discussing seat sharing for the last three days and in our news room we wait for the final decision every day and making our headline that 'discussions continuing...' Yesterday somebody got tired and asked me how long would you continue making the same headline! The opposition coalition will declare candidates on an auspicious day, that is, tomorrow, why you will know a little later.

Apart from the problem of delimitation of the constituencies which caused many stalwarts on all fronts lose their earlier ones, there is one basic issue for causing the delay.

It's Pitrupaksha, that is, the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadra (September-October) leading to the new moon when our ancestors descend on our earth and it becomes easier for all Hindus to give their respectful offerings directly to their forefathers. All 15 days offerings are made at homes, temples, beaches and river sides and shraddha (funeral ritual) ceremonies are held. Basically it's our deep respect and gratefulness to our ancestors. We seek to please them and get their blessings.

But the main problem here is that though this fortnight is immensely auspicious, no major decisions are taken, no major trading and deals are made and all wait for the illuminated fortnight that follows to make new beginnings. And tomorrow is the first day of this fortnight when Goddesses are worshiped throughout.

So, we expect everything to happen from tomorrow. Though today was the first day of filing nominations, only one candidate filed his in whole of Maharashtra which has 288 constituencies!

More on Pitrupaksha!

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