Inflation has spared none so far and no, Gods are not going to be spared either. Food prices have sky rocketed all over the globe in past few months and it is has hit Indians where it hurts the most. Indian devotees quite accustomed to bathe God in milk and offering flowers and fruits have been forced to cut down their daily offering. Most of them are heading temples in the mornings with empty folded hands with ardent prayers in their soul.
In past few months prices of milk, oil, lentils, rice and all essential commodities have risen sharply all over the globe. There is decline in local and global agriculture produce, so international markets are riding high and there is very little any government can do. From Africa to Thailand it is the same story. According to the U.N food program, more than 100 million people are being driven deeper into poverty due to rising food prices. This has led to world-wide protests and also to food-riots in some countries.
In this context, it is not surprising that temple offerings in India are being cut down by people. But in a multi religion dominated country like India this has many implications. Cut-down in religious offering is a visible parameter of inflation hitting the kitchens and bellies of common man in India. Temples and mosques are also complex economy centers in this country. There is a long supply chain; shop-keepers of flowers, fruits, milk, coconut, sweets, dairy products sells goods to devotees who offer them to small priests, head priests for their services and make generous donations to God. This is a sensitive ground to tread for everyone. Once this chain is affected no one can be sure how things can go out of control in India. This can also mean that Indians are already in a zero-tolerance zone.
It is high time Indian government took steps to curb the inflation or soon there will be desperate food-riot kind of situation. Global trends of inflation may take time to reverse but local interventions by Indian government like increasing local self-sufficiency by producing more food grains (rather than procuring from global markets) will ensure majority Indians, their children and their Gods don’t have to go hungry again.
Source: WashingtonPost
Comments
Interesting___very interesting headline and article too.. When the people across the globe are fighting with each other to get enough food grains to feed the families, how can they offer it to the Gods in temples. You marked it right-”Cut-down in religious offering is a visible parameter of inflation hitting the kitchens and bellies of common man in India.” Is it not enough for the UPA government to think seriously to bring down the inflation rate.
Its a bit late...but thanks for reading and commenting...
Inflationary trends in India remain unabated. The ruling UPA, led by an economist Dr. Manmohan Singh is shading crocodile tears. Even the opposition parties are no better. They are merely extending lip services on this sensitive issue. However, the rosy development is that in India the Government agencies have succeeded in procuring wheat at a level much higher than the preceding year. Every where in the world, the shortage of rice is being felt. Several South Asian countries have appealed India for help in this regard. All this could happened only on account of the far-sighted policies of the first government after Independence of the country. The creation of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has prevented spells of drought to turn famine. It is altogether different story that the FCI is one of the top ranked corrupt department in the country. But it is a necessary evil. It not only takes care of India but also her neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Burma (Myanmar) etc. where unscrupulous Indian elements smuggle food grains.
Its a bit late...but thanks for reading and commenting...
Is India, country of more than one-billion people, is facing food crisis? This is a million-dollar question but no one has any answer to the question. Majority of opinions would answer in NO because still India has not experienced riots over rising food prices as it happened in Zimbabwe, Congo and Argentina.
But I think we are heading towards the phase of food riots because the current rise in inflation has driven the food prices up in the sky. In past one year, milk costs 11% more than last year and edible oil costs 40% more than the rate last year. Rice prices have gone up by 20% and certain lentils by 18%. Agreed with the writing.
Its a bit late...but thanks for reading and commenting...
The inflation story continues even today...prices which went up have stayed there...don’t think they’ll ever come down...
I’m sure the Gods will understand the situation. :)
Gods anywhere are portrayed to be punishing and wrathful. Hence, the offerings for appeasement.
That’s human understanding of Gods.
Gods are understanding and peaceful, really.
Gods will understand but its the human mind which doesn’t!
In India people even borrow to make perfect offerings to God...
Congrats. Ms. Madhuri Katti for your
outstanding and interesting article on effects of Inflation on Gods and their devotees.
I agree with your opinion on this topic.
Good Luck.
Thank you, Ranjan for visiting this page and commenting...