Re: Young indians and sprituality
I used to be a practicing Hindu at one time, and I was very much into the religion as I was searching for spiritual fulfillment. I am no longer one, but here is the feedback you asked for:
1 - I’d go to the Mandir every Thursday evening and Saturday morning at 7 am. The community would gather to pray together, it was sorta like a jummah prayer. After the worship, it was an opportunity to mingle with the community. High school and college kids would volunteer to teach Scriptures, Hindi/Sanskrit/other indian languages, Classical Music/Dance etc. to the youngsters on weekends.
2 - I do not; however my family acknowledges all Gods, and gives a special reverance to its “kul devta” (lineage God) who is Tirupati Balaji. Since they reside in Maharashtra, they also celebrate Ganpati. Shankaracharya and Sai Baba are also worshipped, and as far as i have seen, there is no distinction made between saints and gods.
3 - Yes, my home has a separate room for worship. Just like in a mandir, na-pak things are not allowed. Like you cannot enter the room without washing up first. Pooja is done in the morning, right after bathing. Since everyone’s timings are different, ppl worship individually. On festivals, everyone prays together.
4 - I am not vegetarian. All members of my family, with the exception of my dad are strict vegetarians. He restricts his non-veg diet to fish and chicken.
5 - Family values emphasize respect to elders, daily prayers, no meat/alcohol consumption at home, observe/celebrate cultural festivals (seems like there’s atleast one every month!)