https://stock.adobe.com/images/huldi-kumkum-or-haldi-kumkum-indian-hindu-or-punjabi-woman-applies-on-their-forehead-as-an-auspecious-sign-also-offered-to-god-while-prayer/142229757
I have been meaning to write this for a very long time. But finally I got the time, to write it. In India, we belong to a patriarchial society. The men even today, have a higher status as compared to women.
What I am writing about is a sensitive topic and may not be liked by a few or some may completely agree or disagree with all that I have to say.
Men tend to hold a superior status and a widower is typically not discriminated and encouraged to marry in fact. There is not social stigma associated with them.
Women here and everywhere have achieved a lot in their respective fields and in some cases are even the sole bread earners of the family. Yet, why is this big social stigma against widows? I fail to understand. They will be considered inauspicious and not invited to ceremonies. Married Marathi women celebrate something called as Haldi kunku where they apply kumkum and turmeric to fellow women. So, even today, there is a descriminaton made by not inviting women who have lost their husbands. Even at an event, where everybody is gathered, they would treat a widow differently by not applying haldi kumkum.
Women at least in India, apply kumkum even before marriage and is no way a symbol of having a husband. Why make a fuss about this stupid thing and hurt people?
Is a woman's fate only tied to the person whom she is married to? Does she have no identity of her own? Is she not a person with thoughts, opinions and a life of her own.?Doesn't she have the right to lead a normal life like anybody else?You cannot wipe out the unfortunate incident in that woman's life but the least you can do is not be jerks. She is anyway disturbed. She doesn't need societal crap to make things worse. If you cannot be nice, at least don't be evil and mean. Tomorrow it may happen to you and you don't want to be treated the way you ill treated others.
Its very unfortunate, that so many educated losers also treat them not equally.
I find the term "Saubhagyavati" in marathi really lame . So if she doesn't have a husband, does that make her Durbhagyavati(inauspicious). Its like absolute crap and and sensible, educated women like you and me have to challenge these bozos who don't treat women right.
First of all, there is no need to treat any widow differently. She has pride, self respect and doesn't need anybody's sympathy. Its totally her choice as to how she wants to lead her life. The so called society should not be there to harass or belittle a person but rather be accommodating and loving towards them.
My humble and sincere request to whoever is reading this, is to show kindness and love. Thats all that is needed and important. Life is like a boomerang. What you throw in life, is what will return to you.
To sum up, in the current times no woman (married, single, divorced or widowed) is dependent on a man for social, educational or financial support. But some empathy, love, kindnes, honest appreciation and encouragement from society would do not harm to any woman. Isn't it? Something to ponder about!
