A Gen Z Perspective on Hinduism

Namaste.

The thought of writing about my religion recently crossed my mind, and it led me to reflect: do I know enough about Hinduism? Being Gen Z, curiosity about my roots has often taken a back seat amid modern distractions. But when I paused to think, I realised that my understanding of Hinduism is interwoven with the traditions, rituals, and stories shared by my family, it was there all along, quietly running underneath everything else.

Growing up, my connection to Hinduism was nurtured through daily practices, visiting temples, lighting a lamp at home morning and evening. Living near a temple meant waking up to the resonating sound of bells and ending the day with the hum of the evening aarti. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Navratri, Mahashivratri, and Lohri were not just celebrations but an integral part of my upbringing, bringing the family together in devotion and joy.

I cherish memories of religious trips to places like the Jyotirlingas and the shrines of revered sages and rishis. These visits instilled pride in my Indian heritage. I fondly recall my family teaching me shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita during childhood visits to my nani's house. Hinduism offers guidance for every moment of the day, from waking up to sleeping, and these shlokas are a testament to its holistic approach to life.

Evening aartis at home, where the entire family participated, remain etched in my heart. My grandmothers reading the Ramayana in the morning, or chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while preparing for the day, daily rituals that subtly instilled values of faith and resilience in me.

Food, fasting, festivals

Food, too, is deeply tied to these religious practices. Observing fasts on Ekadashi or during Navratri, we avoided onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian food, yet the simplicity of dishes like suji ka halwa with black chana and poori on the eighth or ninth day of Navratri brought unmatched joy. Mahashivratri offered delights like malpua and kheer, Krishna Janmashtami featured an array of milk-based delicacies, and visiting temples during these times heightened the spiritual experience. Diwali without boondi ka laddoo is incomplete, and incomplete too without bursting crackers and lighting up the sky.

The temples that shape you

My travels to significant temples like the Jyotirlingas were transformative. Witnessing the divine aartis at these sacred sites felt like capturing divinity in a moment. Southern temples like the Meenakshi Temple and the Rameshwaram Temple left me awestruck with their intricate architecture and the stories carved into their pillars and painted on towering ceilings. These visual narratives connected me to myths and gods familiar from childhood tales, creating an unspoken bond with the divine.

The cool breeze outside Somnath Temple, the mystique of Dwarka, the trekking experiences to goddess temples, these are memories I hold dear. Completing the pilgrimage to all nine Devi temples is an accomplishment I'm proud of. Haridwar, with its bustling ghats and simple pleasures like kachori and aloo ki sabji, and the serene flow of the Ganga in Rishikesh or Kashi, provided solace and a sense of belonging. Bringing back rudraksha malas or prasad for relatives added meaning to these journeys. Southern sojourns often included a cherished silk saree, a reminder of India's rich textiles and handlooms.

Temples are not just spiritual centres but also historical treasures. Learning about the kings who built them, and the sacrifices they made for the nation, deepened my appreciation for Hinduism and its intertwined history and culture. It also teaches you not to accept any disrespect when it comes to your country or your religion.

What actually makes me a Hindu

Reflecting on what makes me a Hindu, I've realised that it's not just a religious identity but a way of life ingrained in my daily routines, family traditions, and personal experiences. While I may not know everything about Hinduism, the practices I follow and the values passed down to me are a foundation I treasure. This journey of understanding my religion feels vast because it has so much to offer. It might not be possible to cover it all in one lifetime. Attaining moksha and escaping the cycle of rebirth is the goal, yes, but honestly, I would happily be born again as a Hindu, just to keep gaining the knowledge I won't be able to complete in this life.

For now, let me follow what Lord Krishna advises in the Bhagavad Gita, I'll continue to do my karma and let the fruits of my efforts unfold naturally. And as Lord Ram always preferred living in the present instead of overthinking the past and the future, let me focus on this current life.

Thirty minutes ago, I questioned my knowledge about Hinduism. Yet here I am, having poured out my reflections. What I initially thought were mere cultural practices turned out to be the essence of Hinduism itself. It's a reminder to embrace and explore our roots, because they offer a sense of identity, purpose, and pride in being part of this timeless tradition.