Superstitious Rituals Can Kill

This story is about Rekha*, a girl from the small town of Tarawata*. Tarawata is a village where girls stop going to school at the age of 12. Despite, coming from a poor family, Rekha did well in school, and convinced her dad that she should pursue her studies. Thanks to the excellent support from her school teachers, she managed to complete the 12th standard with flying colors. She completed her Bachelor of Education, B.Ed from Sagar and she was one of the few students to step out of her village to complete Bachelor of Education, B.Ed degree. She created history when she became the first girl in Tarawata to get a job of school teacher in a government school in Jhansi.

It seemed that nothing could go wrong. One after the other, she had made all her wishes come true. Marriage proposals had started coming in abundance for her as she had a secure government job. Then,

Rekha got married to Vignesh last year in January, 2008. Her father was the happiest person in the world now. His son-in-law was from a very well-to-do family and worked as a PWD engineer (a job which comes with many perks and additional sources of income). The family had acres of farm land and 2 rice mills as well. Even though, the dowry for the marriage had burned a hole in his small pocket but at least he had the satisfaction of having married of his daughter in such a good family.

Soon after, the good news was out. Rekha was expecting her first child. There were celebrations galore.

The 3rd visit to the doctor revealed some complications in pregnancy. She was advised complete bed rest for the next 4 months. Tarawata did not have a hospital of its own. They had to go to nearby town of Vidisha to avail medical facilities. Rekha took a long leave from her job to take complete rest. Situation improved from there on and Rekha was into her 7th month of pregnancy. The doctor had also confirmed that her condition was stable.  Bed rest was no more required but she was told not to exert herself in any way.

“God Bharai ki Rasm” is a ritual which is followed by Hindus in India. This ceremony is performed in the seventh or eighth month of the pregnancy, where seven married women need to be present to perform the ceremony .They are there to bless the pregnant women and wish her good luck and give blessings to her and child. Many other members can be there to bless them according to their capacities may be jewelry or any other items. The ceremony can be grand depending on the financial status of the in-laws of the pregnant women.  In Tarawata, this ritual is performed with a few changes. The pregnant woman has to sit on the ground with her legs crossed. Each woman attending the function sits beside her to prepare a sweet pancake and then blesses her and the child and gives some gift.  This ritual may take up around 3-4 hours depending on the number of people invited because the pregnant woman has to sit and prepare pancakes with each and every woman who blesses her. Though this ritual is not mandatory but many people consider it auspicious and perform it with great fanfare and grandeur.