India, with its rich culture and different types of linguistics and religious groups, India is popular worldwide because of pluralism. In India, all kinds of religions can be found, which I did not see in many European countries or even China. According to Wikipedia, India has the second highest number of languages (780) after Papua New Guinea (840).
In different parts of India, various types of festivals are celebrated. The festivals can be classified as Religious Festivals, Harvest Festivals, National Festivals, Seasonal Festivals, and Cultural Festivals. Many ceremonies are also held in India. One is the Half-saree ceremony(female/girl) and the Dhoti ceremony (male/boy). The Half-saree, also known as the "Petticoat (for female) and Veshti (for male)" ceremonies. Both 'Half-Saree and Dhoti Ceremonies' cultural and ritual programmes are held in various regions of India and are performed differently by different communities.
A Half-saree function is a conventional Indian pre-wedding ceremony in which a young woman, typically a girl, dons a half-saree for the first time. In the case of the Dhoti Ceremony, a young boy is presented with his first dhoti, a traditional Indian garment worn by men. A dhoti is a long cloth wrapped around the waist and legs. The function is usually followed by a feast and other activities such as music and dance. Regarding the Half-saree ceremony, I am presenting a few more lines from the website lovenspire.com/blogs, “Half-saree ceremonies have been celebrated in India for generations and have evolved. The ceremony is more prevalent in South Indian states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The practice of wearing a half saree is mentioned in ancient Indian scriptures, and the tradition has been passed on through generations. The half saree can be a simple or decorative garment, depending on the family’s social and financial status. The saree is usually made of silk, cotton, or chiffon and is adorned with intricate designs and embellishments". On the other hand, “the dhoti ceremony, also known as Dhoti Krsna Sambandha, is a significant tradition in several Indian cultures, symbolizing a boy's transition into the early steps of manhood. This event marks when a boy's attire transforms from that of a child to an adult by wearing a dhoti”.
I observed the ‘Half-saree and Dhoti celebrations’ in Hyderabad, which I did not observe in Assam, West Bengal, or Tripura (I stayed in these states for some years). Of course, I travelled across India and abroad for academic activities. I have been in Hyderabad with my family for three decades but have attended such functions occasionally. On January 19, 2025, my wife and I attended the ' Half-saree and Dhoti ceremonies' of Driti Reddy (girl/12 years old), Heyansh Reddy (boy/7 years old), and Dhruvansh Reddy (boy/5 years old). Both the boys are cousins of the girl. Their paternal grandparents are Sama Shiva Reddy (grandfather/retired army person) and Pushpa Latha (grandmother). The girl Driti’s parents are Devender Reddy (father/software engineer) and Deepthi (mother/college teacher). On the other hand, the parents of Heyansh and Dhruvansh are Narender Reddy (father/software engineer) and Archana (mother/managing an educational Institute). So, it is evident that all of the family members are educated. The function started at about 7 PM. and dinner was arranged. A little more than 1000 people, irrespective of age and gender, attended the function.
Their many relatives and friends attended the function, and in the initial phase, all three children were blessed by their paternal and maternal grandparents and, later on, parents, relatives, and others. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the ceremony. Hospitality was excellent, and we were both overwhelmed by the scrumptious foods (vegetarian and non-vegetarian) and different types of beverages served lavishly. The function was held at a gorgeous function hall, but the three children and their parents and paternal grandparents live in a gated community known as ‘Libdom Villa Campus”. It is pertinent to mention that permanent residents of a gated community known as Libdom Villa (Raj Reddy Valley), Bandlaguda Jagir, Hyderabad, which is spread over an area of 17 acres of land having all facilities - indoor and outdoor games, gym, park, swimming pool, function hall, etc. Altogether, 190 families (a few might be unoccupied) live in this gated community. The residents are of different religions, castes, and languages (people of various States), representing a mini-India in the true sense, and residents celebrate all festivals amicably. I am proud to be one of the residents of this lively and marvellous campus, which is, in a true sense, a mini-India.
I wish all three a blissful, peaceful, and prosperous life.
Prof Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad
References: a) dopstudio.in/dothi-half-saree , b) website lovenspire.com/blogs and c) vedukaconvention.com/saree.html
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