12 O’ Clock (Part XIV)

Bittu asked me with a naughty smile, “I have another doubt. Can I ask you about it? This is about Hindus. That is why I am asking you.”
I told him, “Go ahead.”
He said, “Always there is a small quarrel that is happening in our house. My Dad has a small temple, at home. He has placed the photos of Baba Ram Pir and Ashapura Mata, there. My Mom is a Maharashtrian and wanted to place an idol of Ganapathy in the temple. My father did not allow her to do it, saying that since they are married, she would also have to follow his traditions. Sukhwinder and Prem Didis’ mother convinced him to worship Lord Ganapathy as well because they did not have children before me. They began to celebrate Ganeshotsav for 3 days and placed a Ganesh idol permanently in the worship area. I was born, 3 years later. Even though this has happened, my Dad has allowed it half-heartedly. Still, they keep quarreling often. I had been to a South Indian friend’s place during Gokulashtami and was fascinated by the Pooja. Now, I want to celebrate the festival. What can I do?”
To be continued…