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| Faith, Devotion and Gen Z |
Mahashivratri, the grand night of Lord Shiva, is a festival celebrated with immense devotion across India. It is a day of spiritual awakening, fasting, and offering prayers to Lord Shiva. Traditionally, schools and colleges declare a public holiday on this day, allowing devotees to immerse themselves in worship and rituals. However, this year, for certain reasons, we did not have a holiday, and the impact of this decision was evident in the morning class. As the first session began, I noticed that the students were not as lively and energetic as usual. Curious about their lack of enthusiasm, I asked if they were feeling sleepy or tired. Their response took me by surprise. "Madam, today is Mahashivratri, and we didn’t get a holiday. We are not upset because we wanted to sleep more but because we couldn't spend enough time in the temple," one of them said. Another student added, "We woke up early to visit the temple for darshan, but the queues were so long that if we had waited for jalabhishek, we would have missed our classes." Soon, the entire class joined in, sharing similar experiences. Their disappointment was not about missing a day of rest but about not being able to fully participate in the religious rituals of Mahashivratri.
Later, I decided to have the same conversation with students from another class. To my surprise, they expressed similar thoughts. This interaction made me reflect on something we often hear in society—"Gen Z is not religious." But is this statement really true?
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, there is a growing perception that the younger generation is moving away from traditions, spirituality, and religious beliefs. However, my experience on Mahashivratri completely shattered this myth. It is often assumed that Gen Z is more inclined toward modernity and less connected to religious values. But the truth is, they are not just aware of their cultural roots but also actively participate in them. Their devotion is not about blind faith but about a conscious and heartfelt connection with the divine. They wake up early, stand in long queues, and make time for prayer despite their busy schedules. Unlike previous generations, they may not always express their faith in conventional ways, but that does not mean they do not believe. They celebrate festivals, observe fasts, visit temples, and engage in spiritual discussions. Their belief in God is strong, and their respect for traditions is evident. It is essential to understand that faith evolves with time .
Mahashivratri is not just about rituals; it is about devotion, inner peace, and spiritual awakening. The fact that so many young students were eager to celebrate it wholeheartedly is a beautiful reminder that our culture and traditions are in safe hands. Instead of assuming that they are disconnected from religion, we should recognize their unique way of embracing faith. Mahashivratri this year was a revelation—a reminder that Lord Shiva’s presence is not just in temples but in the hearts of all, regardless of age. Let us continue to guide, inspire, and walk alongside the younger generation in their spiritual journey, ensuring that the flame of devotion continues to shine brightly for generations to come.
Har Har Mahadev!
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