The validity of customs and traditions

I agree that C&T are beautiful. But they need to be tweaked. We must retain their sentiments intact but change its outward expression to suit modern times instead of doing away with them altogether.

For instance keeping the marriage ceremonies simple and short. And not indulge in unwanted meaningless expenditure including dowry in the name of customs. Please remember a lot of our social evils like female infanticide are the direct result of stupid customs. I remember once when my father went to his native town after a long time his friends greeted him with "Assets or Liabilities". I later understood how much our so called customs have become a burden on families who had daughters. Thank god that now times have changed though a lot still seems need to be done. What remains now is to act proactively.

 

I too love C&T so long they do not become a burden in any way. I for one believe we must keep our link with our roots. What we must abhor is blind attachment and adherence to traditions and customs which in any case I am sure many really do not know what these rituals stand for.

The point is keep the value system behind the customs even as we tweak them. We may and we must even be ready to change the customs if the underlying sentiments and values can be expressed better in any respect.

 

I really do not think these are difficult to define. we all have a conscience and deep within (if we are honest enough) we know what we are doing is correct or not. Just follow the Golden Rule to start with. This will do. And the rest takes care of itself.

Exactly why I say C&T must change with times as times change. Change the customs if need be if the sentiments can be expressed more intelligently and economically. Let's just do away with the irrational and mesmerising belief that C&T are too sacred and sacrosanct to tamper with.