The departed seem to be more precious in their absence. Probably it is a guilty feeling of having ignored them when they were alive. It is an innate fear of retribution, not genuine love or compulsion by social traditions. The rituals that are followed conform to social expectations to keep ourselves insulated from criticism of ingratitude.
People who have in their life time never prayed, relatives, loved ones are obliged as substitutes to offer solace of prayers.
How many of us really can recall our grand and great grandparents? May be a photo hangs in our homes as a reminder. In fact very soon, the next generation will not even know of these rituals.
Of late Catholics celebrate All Souls Day with much fanfare, decorating cemeteries, graves and niches with flowers and garlands for the departed. Will all this really redeem those who are gone to their eternal abode?
The question of hell or heaven or rebirth is beyond human comprehension. These concepts are believed in faith and understood in comparison of earthly references.
With All Souls Day round the corner, it is time we have a deeper, personal introspection and pray for our near and dear ones.
