So my mom texted me yesterday complaining that I didn’t call her on Mother’s day. I was shocked: My mom knows about the Mother’s day. I called her and asked the same question. As it turns out, it’s a big hype in India now! I was speechless. I simply didn’t know what to say. After more than three decades of my life, I simply don’t know how to tell her what having her as my mom means. She is my mom. Period. I really don’t know how else to express myself. What is one suppose to do on Mother’s day, really?
I always viewed all the hype around Mother’s day in US with contempt: commercial ventures trying to come up with all these days so that they can sell products! And yet, now I am caught in it. And I am completely lost. So if someone, familiar with current Indian trends, can enlighten me with what am I suppose to do on this day? How is it celebrated in India? I will, at least, try to make necessary gestures expected of me. Even though I still disapprove of the whole concept, but if my mom expects it I would rather do it, instead of disappointing her again. Yes, I am giving into this commercial vice for her sake.
P.S.: I was in the same perplexity when my cousin gave my mom a testimony on Orkut. Am I expected to give a testimony to my mom? If yes, then what am I supposed to say? Again, only thing I can say: She is my mom. Doesn’t that explain everything? And if it does, then why am I supposed to write down this very well known fact?
I couldn't agree more :) I do not really observe these days and thankfully, my parents do not either - yet :)
ReplyDeleteBut yes, it is becoming extremely 'the in thing' to do so :)
Totally agree......the word "MOM/MOTHER" says it all. Yeah its growing in popularity, thaks to thecommercial interest holders, who promote all tehse Special days...... All i did is gave a quick call n wished my mom n then carried on with regular chit chat. And yes, dont get into any of these commercial things, so dont go for any gifts or flowers!!!The best thing to offer is a big HUG, if u could make it in person, else i think a phone call to let her know that u do think about her everyday, is more than enough......
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the cartoon I saw today. http://cagle.msnbc.com/news/MothersDay10/images/cam.jpg
ReplyDeleteI agree...all these days are too commercialised. I wish my mum and dad on these days (sending a text) but have never given them gifts or anything whereas here all I see are things to buy mum for Mother's Day! I think that's ridiculous...
ReplyDelete:D I don't really care for these days either. I didn't call my Mom yesterday, let's see what she has to say today when I make the call :) I don't think it matters to her though, we don't really get into all these things...but you never know :)
ReplyDeleteOh well, my mom has kept up with time. She was one of the first to have an email account and then orkut account amongst her generation, so guess she is one of the first to buy in this Hallmark holiday!
ReplyDeleteGuess rest of the parents will soon follow! :)
Yeah, you see, I was so clueless about latest trend in India that I didn't know that I was supposed to call her. I hope that's enough because my FB and Orkut account (also blogger space) is filled with statuses of people who are wishing their mothers that way. I find it very silly. It's a holiday started by Hallmark, for crying out loud!!!
ReplyDeleteHehehe...I saw that one! God life has changed so much. guess gestures mean more than relationship these days.
ReplyDeleteYou and me both! Especially knowing that this day don't have any history or tradition or cultural significance behind it. It was a stupid day started by Hallmark! All my friend's FB and Orkut status have been changed to wish their mom. Blogosphere is filled with posts about Mom. I am completely baffled. How can people buy into this tripe?
ReplyDeleteYep! You never know. We never even used to celebrate b'days in our house till I insisted on those. Life changes pretty quickly. :)
ReplyDeleteHa ha :) I am like you, couldn't care less, but I used the occasion as an excuse to buy a Nokia N 97 :) You just need to wish her, tell her you love her - that's all. But if you like you can make it a special day for her - send her a card, write whatever your fav memories from your childhood with her are... I used to do all this for my mom's birthdays, now there are two ocassions :)
ReplyDeleteIndia has always tried to ape the west and from what I see from every visit I go, they, as usual, take everything too far!! Yes, it is definitely the trend now in India. They even have a flower bouquet and gift site for NRIs so we can give them our hard-earned dollars send a bunch of flowers and a teddy bear!! hahahahah!! Just google it and you'll see!!!
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