Radha was overjoyed when Rajeshwari had her first period. She saw it as a confirmation that her daughter was truly a woman, and that the magic potion had worked. She decided to throw a grand puberty ceremony for her, and invited all their relatives and friends to celebrate.
She spent weeks preparing for the ceremony, buying new clothes and jewellery for Rajeshwari, cooking delicious food, decorating the house, and hiring a band and a photographer. She also consulted a priest to perform the rituals and blessings for Rajeshwari.
Rajeshwari was not excited about the ceremony. She felt embarrassed and exposed by the attention and scrutiny of everyone. She felt uncomfortable and awkward in her new half saree, which was bright red and gold, with sequins and beads. She felt nervous and scared about the rituals and blessings, which she didn't understand or believe in.
She wished she could skip the ceremony. She wished she could hide in her room. She wished she could be Rajesh again.
But she had no choice. She had to go along with her mother's plans. She had to pretend to be happy and grateful. She had to smile and nod.
The day before the ceremony arrived. Rajeshwari woke up early and took a bath. Her mother helped her dress up in her new half saree, which was heavy and tight. She also put on her new jewellery, which was shiny and noisy. She also applied some makeup on her face, which made her look older and different.
She looked at herself in the mirror and felt like a stranger.
"Mom...do I have to wear all this?" she asked.
"Yes, my dear. You look beautiful. You look like a princess." Radha said.
"I don't feel beautiful. I feel weird." Rajeshwari said.
"Don't be silly, my dear. You are beautiful. You are my daughter." Radha said.
Radha then took Rajeshwari to the living room, where a priest was waiting for them. He had set up a small altar with candles, flowers, incense, fruits, sweets, and a picture of a goddess. He greeted them with a smile and asked Rajeshwari to sit on a cushion in front of the altar.
He then began to chant some prayers in Sanskrit, which Rajeshwari didn't understand. He sprinkled some water on her head, put some vermilion on her forehead, tied some threads around her wrists, and gave her some beads to wear around her neck.
Rajeshwari doing prayer
He then explained to Rajeshwari the meaning of the puberty ceremony.
"This ceremony is to celebrate your transition from girlhood to womanhood. It is to thank the goddess for giving you this gift of fertility and beauty. It is to ask for her blessings for your health, happiness, prosperity, and marriage. It is to welcome you into the community of women who will support you and guide you through life." he said.
Rajeshwari listened politely but didn't feel anything. She didn't care about the goddess or her gifts or blessings. She didn't care about health, happiness, prosperity, or marriage. She didn't care about being part of a community of women.
She just wanted to be herself again.
The priest then asked Radha to join them. He gave her a coconut and asked her to break it on the floor as a symbol of breaking Rajeshwari's ties with her childhood. Radha did so with enthusiasm, while Rajeshwari felt a pang of sadness.
The priest then asked Radha to give Rajeshwari some gifts as a symbol of giving her new responsibilities as a woman. Radha gave her a gold chain, a silk saree, a set of bangles, and a book on how to be a good wife.
Rajeshwari accepted them with reluctance, while Radha felt proud.
The priest then asked Rajeshwari to give Radha some sweets as a symbol of giving her gratitude and respect as a mother. Rajeshwari did so with hesitation, while Radha felt touched.
The priest then declared that the ritual was over and congratulated them both. He then left them alone in the living room.
Radha hugged Rajeshwari and said,"I'm so happy for you, my dear. You are now a woman."
To be continued......
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