However, it cannot be denied that the significance of this festival has gradually changed over the years. The culture of the upcoming generations has flexibility, and their values and morals are also changing. The youth are embracing secularity and Shiva Ratri has been misinterpreted by many.[break]
Sarina Khanal, 22, fifth-year student of MBBS in Dhaka, Bangladesh; Sabak Bogati, 20, first-year student of BBS at NIC College; Nirajan Khatiwada, 24, currently enrolled as a student of Masters in Rural Development at Tri-Chandra Campus; and Ranjan Raj Tiwari, A-Level student of Xavier International College, all in Kathmandu, discussed on these issues at Republica.
What does Maha Shiva Ratri symbolize for you?
Niranjan: I see it as a celebratory festival. But for many youths, it’s just an excuse to abuse drugs.
Sabak: It makes me feel happy about being a Hindu since we get an occasion to celebrate and worship our important deity, Lord Shiva.
Sarina: As a medical student, I’ll get to stay at one of the health camps at Pashupatinath Temple and serve people. It’ll be interesting as many Sadhus carry various diseases with them which aren’t diagnosed earlier.
Ranjan: It’s one of the Hindu festivals.
To what extent are you religious?
Niranjan: I’ve been socialized that way. It’s part of out culture and we ought to be religious. My favorite festival is Dashain.
Sabak: I’m very religious. It teaches a certain degree of discipline. Tihar is the fondest festival for me.
Sarina: I’m not religious in a sense of being devoted to my own religion but I do celebrate the festivals of all religions as they come by since it makes me feel positive. I love Christmas.
Ranjan: I’m a highly devoted person and I believe in a higher power. However, I consider other religions festivals as well. I personally like Dashain and Tihar better.
The devotees perform strict rituals of purification and worship. Will doing so actually benefit them or fulfill their wishes?
Niranjan: It’s a part of one’s upbringing where we’re taught to perform rituals. However, one shouldn’t devote oneself to the extent that it’s physically exhaustive.
Sabak: Yes, I think it’s beneficial. Personally I feel that when I wish for something and sincerely pray for it, I’ve been granted it. I do fasting every Tuesday for Lord Ganesh. Even if strict rituals aren’t followed, but if one is sincere and has a pure heart, God will be pleased.
Sarina: Having beliefs is an important aspect of one’s life but it should be limited to a certain extent. Performing harsh rituals can be dangerous.
Ranjan: Faith should be there but one should also consider one’s health. Purity of thought is more important.
Do you think this religious practice has changed over the years?
Niranjan: It seems Shiva Ratri is gradually losing its effectiveness. Although many devotees still celebrate it strictly, I don’t stay up all night and dance with bonfires like before.
Sabak: My mother is Buddhist and my father is Hindu, so we celebrate both religious festivals with equal devotion. We used to have community gathering with food and music, but now things have changed.
Sarina: Festivals have been commercialized and their values have decreased. Yet those who have faith are still into rigorous practices.
Ranjan: Earlier, it was for God, now it’s for drugs. The younger generation doesn’t even know the significance of the festival nor are their parents bothered to make them aware of it.
What do you think about sadhus and youths consuming marijuana and other drugs during Shiva Ratri?
Niranjan: Youths shouldn’t be allowed to do drugs. The concerned authorities and police seem to be very lenient on these issues.
Sabak: Shiva himself is portrayed as a drug consumer and he’s offered such things. Perhaps it’s due to that reason sadhus and youths indulge themselves in drugs too.
Sarina: It’s indeed understandable for sadhus to use it since it decreases hunger sensations. Even for youths, if they consume it as a part of a festival, it may be acceptable. But regular consumption is extremely harmful and shouldn’t be allowed.
Ranjan: There’s no comparison between sadhus and us. They devote their entire lives to meditation, and marijuana is a part of it. But for us, it isn’t normal.
Personally, how sensitive are you of other religions?
Niranjan: We have to be sensitive since Nepal is now a secular state. I’m also a teacher and I, along with my students, celebrate all festivals that come along, be it of any religion.
Sabak: All religions preach the same morals, albeit differently. I like celebrating Christmas but sadly my Christian friend doesn’t accept our invitations during our Hindu festival celebrations and he always tries to teach me about Christianity.
Sarina: I agree with Sabak. I’ve seen many Hindus embracing secularity but it’s not the same with some practitioners of other religions. Perhaps it’s so because they aren’t aware of our festivals and we ought to make an attempt to inform them about it.
Ranjan: Every religious group has its own set of values. However, it feels good to incorporate each other into one’s festivals.
Do you think Nepal has become a secular country in reality?
Niranjan: Not exactly, but our nation being secular is a good sign.
Sabak: Even though it’s been declared a secular state, it looks like the same old Hindu Nation.
Sarina: It’s a new thing, and changes will take place gradually. It’s a good tourism booster, too, since people of other religions, apart from Hindus, will feel more comfortable visiting Nepal.
Ranjan: For the older generations, it’s the same old concept. But the upcoming generations are surely more sensitive of secularity.
Related story
Maha Kumbh expected to draw more devotees on Shivaratri
