Inaugurating Change
Whenever a new venture is about to start in Kerala, be it grand or relatively modest, an inauguration ceremony launches the project.
Whatever the religious beliefs – or lack of belief – of those involved, fruits and flowers are proffered, and an oil lamp is lit:
a remnant, perhaps, of the persistent power of apotropaic prayer.
It is a custom which unites Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains and even the Marxist Communists of this state.
Picture taken at the inauguration of a new ayurvedic centre at Tom’s Old Mansion in Fort Cochin, Kerala
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A lovely custom, I wonder if it helps to concentrate the minds of those taking new steps?
July 30, 2013 at 10:17 pm
I don’t really know.. Perhaps it gives focus, as well as expressing a sense of gratitude for new opportunities and the awareness of no matter how well-thought-out a project may be ultimately “good fortune” plays a large part in any success.
July 31, 2013 at 9:36 am