First Haircut Ceremony

A child's first haircut is a special moment and many parents like to snap a few photos and keep a lock of hair as a keepsake. My appointment last Sunday was for a very special cultural ceremony where I would be shaving the child's head. I walked into the family's home and found the living room filled with family and relatives who were gathered to witness the "first haircut" of Dhrub, two and a half.
The room sparkled with colour as everyone was dressed in traditional wear smiling and laughing as they watched the rituals being performed. There was great energy and a feeling of connectedness - it was beautiful!
Dhrub was a superstar! I set up and let him pick a movie from my collection. He picked "Mickey's Twice Upon A Christmas". I wasn't sure if this would be a problem, a Christmas movie at a Hindu head shaving ceremony, but his mother laughed and said he loves Mickey! So Dhrub watched Mickey as I shaved his head. His niece held a bowl to collect his hair and the family watched on.
When I was finished, Deepa, Dhrub's mother presented me with a gift. A fancy little purse that held a gold anklet, a package of bindi which are small jewels worn on the forehead and a betel nut. All are important Hindu symbols and I was deeply touched that she would give me such a gift.
As I left, I watched Dhrub walk down the hall playing a game on an ipod touch.
It is wonderful to see that we can honour traditions in our modern world.