Religious functions beyond religion

Conducting religious events is not merely limited tosome spirituality.”
expressing religious belief rather it turned into a socialWhen people reach the old age, sometimes they
event. As we have been reading the news thatbecome so much grasped by the mental
Saptas (seven day long prayer) and Bhadwad (A kinddissatisfaction as well. They may want their children
of hindu religious functions) were organized forto be with them all the time which is not possible in
collecting money for social causes, such prayers havetoday’s time since the career and job becomes
also gaining popularity among elderly people.the first priority for all. Because of this the old
Elderly people have been utilizing these functions as aparents may feel themselves unwanted or may let
good opportunity for passing their days in a fruitfulmany unnecessary things roll around their mind at all
manner as they are not able to take part in othertimes. And in such case when they have nothing to
activities. Elderly people of Kathmandu valley, whodo, they will keep on thinking and get the mental
finds isolated in their homes as most of the familytorture more and more and which may make the
members are busy in their own works, also takingcondition much serious. Thus to get rid of the
such religious events as good opportunity for utilizingunnecessary thoughts, indulging in the religious
their time. Elderly people attending such functions alsoactivities may benefit them a lot.
say that such events helped them to forget theirSarita Rai, aged 58 and mother of two daughter and
pains and pray god for the well being of their familyone son says, “ My both daughters had already
members.married and one son is also living abroad so me and
Purna Kumari Gurung, 72 of Samakhusi attending themy husband attend Bhagwads to forget my
Bhagwad held in Basundhara said, “Participating inloneliness about my children.” The elderly woman
religious works and places gives peace to my soulalso added, “As long as I am here I think of
making me feel united with the almighty.” “Inothing else except god and thus feel somewhat
don’t have to look after household anymore so Igood.”
feel it the best place where I can spend myDoctors also suggest that people after reaching the
time,” she further addedold age must not take the mental tensions and try to
In Nepal when people reach the old age theybe as happy as possible. Dr. Mohan Joshi says, “It
don’t have many options for passing their daysis very important for the people of old age to be
so participating in religious functions could be thefully happy and satisfied in their life since any
better alternative. Moreover, indulging in the spiritualdissatisfaction may lead them to many health
and religious stuffs at the old age can also be takendisorders as well. Participating in the religious programs
as our tradition that we mostly see our grandparentscan be the best option for the people of our culture
following.to be happy upto some extent.”
67 year-old Bishnu Subedi of Balaju says, “ ISo, religion is also a part of making elderly people
have done all my duties towards my family and myhappy. Though organized with different purposes
children. They have now become independent andreligious functions are also providing a good platform
now its time to do something for the sake of myto elderly people for getting engaged into
own and I feel this is the time when I should earnconstructive works.