[dropcap]V[/dropcap]rindavan is a small town in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, where ever since the ban on Sati 250 years ago it has become host to widows from all over the country. They are shunned from the society not due to religious beliefs but because of tradition and that they become a financial drain on their families.They pass their days in abject poverty and want, begging in the streets or lying on the steps of the system.
This year the widows for the first time decided to celebrate Christmas in a way only they know or manner in which Christmas is perceived by non Christians.
Hundreds of widows revelled in Christmas celebrations in the city known as the place where Lord Krishna frolicked in his childhood. On Sunday, the widows of the city’s ashrams joined in carol singing and danced around beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Many of the widows, aged between 70 and 80 years, now live a dignified life thanks to the efforts of non-governmental organisation Sulabh International.
Like little children, the widows Sunday gleefully wore the red Santa Claus caps, and lit candles they had made themselves. The Christmas tree was decked up with flags and festoons.
Some of the widows were dressed to look like Santa Claus, and many of them wore costumes they had stitched themselves, over the last few days.
The widows have been getting vocational training, and among the skills they have picked up are candle-making and stitching.
The occasion was one organised by Sulabh International, an NGO working in the upliftment of the widows. And the Chairman is reported to have remarked that the change in the widows is true empowerment.
Manu Ghosh, 80, wore a Santa cap as she decorated the Christmas tree and grabbed chocolates like a child. She danced with many others like her, celebrating this festival for the first time in her life.
“I have been seeing children celebrating this festival, but have never before celebrated it myself. This was a great experience, celebrating Christmas with widows,” said 72-year-old Anjana Gwaswami.
The interpretation of Christmas by the widows calls for a pause with those who know the meaning of Christmas.
In a consumer society which trivialises the meaning of Christmas to a business gimmick its not surprising that non Christians equate the celebration of Christmas with what Christians all over the world pay more attention to; Santa Claus and the Christmas tree.
In our race for the brightest, most colourful lights and best tree decorations, the choicest of presents that money in the purse will allow, we forget that the story of Christmas began in a lowly manger.
That the one who was born on Christmas was born so as to deliver the one who delivered him and all mankind.
That while there was no room for him at the inn, all he needs is a room in our hearts this Christmas.
Yes, the widows of Vrindavan enjoyed the joy that is associated with Christmas, how much more will they, when they receive the gift of Christmas.
