Kem cho Aunty! Majama cho?
I hope you’re as thrilled as I am to dive into today’s topic, Aunty! Let’s take a closer look at the evergreen tradition of “Pague Lage“. Don’t roll your eyes just yet; I know you secretly enjoy when we sprinkle a little bit of sanskaar into our lives.
For those unfamiliar, “Pague Lage” is the classic Gujarati way of saying, “Let me touch your feet and score some blessings!”. Consider it the cultural equivalent of a secret handshake, blending heartfelt respect, a sprinkle of spirituality, and a big dose of elder-certified blessings—all in one simple gesture.
Growing up, the “Pague Lage” drill was non-negotiable.
Family wedding? Pague Lage.
Festival? Pague Lage.
Random Sunday visit to your grandparents’ house? Oh, you bet you should Pague Lage!
I’ll admit, as a kid, I didn’t fully get it and I just did it because I was told to. But as I grew older, I started to see the magic behind it. It’s not just about bowing down; it’s about lifting up the bond you share with your elders, showing them that we care (yes, even when we’re secretly checking our phones while they are speaking).
Plus, the blessings! Oh, the blessings. “Sada sukhi raho” (May you always be happy), “Lambi umar thav” (May you live a long life), and my personal favorite, “Jaldi settle thai ja” (May you get married soon). Ah, nothing like a subtle hint from your elders to spice up your day.
But here’s the thing, Aunty—I’ve noticed that this beautiful tradition is slowly fading away. Maybe it’s because lately it feels like we’ve all gotten caught up in the rush of life (and distracted by the noise of endless notifications) or perhaps the true purpose of it has been forgotten over time. Whatever the reason, it’s high time we bring “Pague Lage” back into the spotlight where it belongs!
And for that, the storytelling is fundamental! Not just for kids… Even we grown-ups need a reminder now and then. When you explain the “why” behind it—the respect, the blessings, the connection—it suddenly stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like a privilege.
So, here’s why we do pague lage: it’s all about respect, blessings, and staying grounded (literally and spiritually). Back in the day—like way, way back—our ancestors believed that elders carried a lifetime of wisdom, good energy, and divine vibes. Touching their feet was seen as a way to tap into that energy and channel it into our lives. Think of it as downloading their “good karma software” directly into your system.
But why the feet, you ask? Well, according to Indian philosophy (yes, Aunty, I’ve done my homework), the feet are considered a symbol of humility. By bowing and touching the feet, you’re saying, “Hey, I respect you, and I’m humble enough to acknowledge all you’ve done for me.” Plus, in yoga and Ayurveda, feet are said to have special energy points (chakras) that connect us to the earth—so there’s a little science in the mix too.
Now, as for where it all started, this tradition comes from Vedic culture, which is, like, the blueprint for Indian values. The idea was to cultivate a sense of gratitude and connection between generations. It wasn’t just about showing respect—it was about creating bonds, passing on wisdom, and ensuring that families stayed close-knit.
See, I get it now. The younger crowd might not always do the full feet-touching thing anymore. Sometimes it’s just a quick bend or the classic touch-and-run (for the shy ones, of course). But deep down, we all know the respect is there—and so is the love.
So, Aunty, here’s to you—and to all the elders who patiently wait for us to remember our sanskaar. Keep those blessings coming because, let’s face it, we need all the help we can get.
Until next time, sending you lots of pyaar, namaskar, and of course, a virtual Pague Lage!
Majama rehjo!