Introduction
Indian Food
In our culture, we celebrate Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, who is a very important figure in the Christian religion. In the Indian culture, the people celebrate the birth of Lord Rama. This is one of the greatest celebrations in all of India. Lord Rama saved the world from the worst demon imaginable, Ravana. He had incredible strength but an even more incredible heart. Though his father, King Dasharatha, was an amazing king, no one could compare to Rama's glory. The celebration can last up to nine full days, with the first eight days being more of a pre-celebration leading up to the day that Rama was born. Seemingly endless singing, vast amounts of food, and sacred prayers are just a few ways the people of India celebrate. In some parts of India, the people also celebrate the anniversary of Rama and Sita. Ceremonial wedding rituals are then performed for the couple. Everyone is involved, from the old to the young. This storybook is the view of a mother explaining the importance of and the stories behind the celebration to her daughter. Initially the daughter is questioning her mother, and each story is from the girl's view of her mother's story.
Every year as the month of March ends, my parents disappear. They seem to only come home to see me for a few minutes and to sleep. The rest of the time is spent at their restaurants. They own several of the nicest restaurants in town, and I guess people really want their food in April. The first day in April is tomorrow, and my parents are finally going to be home in time for me to ask some questions. I always get so confused why they are gone for so long, and every year they tell me I am too young to understand. This year I am ten, I'm practically a grown up. I really hope they finally tell me the story.
As soon as they are done with their dinner, I begin my inquisition.
"Mom, why do you and dad spend so much time at the restaurant every year around this time? I'm ten this year, so no excuses," I asked.
"Sweetie, this is the grand celebration of one of our most important divine figures. His name is Lord Rama. He was the man who got rid of the evil monster Ravana," my mother responded. "Ravana was always hurting people, trying to control them, or using them for his desires. These terrible actions finally caught up with him, and he got exactly what was coming."
"What do you mean?"
"It's something called Karma, where every action has either a consequence or a reward. In Ravana's case, all of his actions had severe consequences," she explained.
"I still don't understand."
She sat silent for a few minutes just staring at her now empty plate before she continued, "I will try to explain this to you the best way I know. We will compare the story to a meal. A meal consists of several parts: the appetizer, main course, and dessert.
An appetizer is a small taste of food at the beginning of the meal to hold you over until the main course. Ravana's appetizer was when he asked for immortality but it is what he neglected to remember that was so important. This was just a taste of Ravana's life and the beginning of his impending doom.
Then there was the main course. Ravana did something that no one should ever do. This was an unacceptable and repulsive crime, which would up being the main event that lead to his downfall.
The dessert of any meal is just a sweet ending. Well, Ravana's was more bittersweet, bitter for him, but sweet for the rest of the world. Ravana doubted Rama's abilities and laughed when someone else mentioned them. Eventually, his death came at the hands of Lord Rama," my mother explained.
Tonight I have learned to appreciate this celebration. I am truly excited to rejoice in the birth of the most exceptional being, Lord Rama, who rid our world of the evil Ravana.