Youth Sections
"The Braves Arise " |
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hen I was 5 years old I asked my mom, “What is that thingy that dad wears around his shoulder and under his arms.” My mom said this is called Yonaya and is made of five strings of white thread. She further explained it to me that this was not just any ordinary thread, this was given by the FAMILY GURU on the occasion of the Koshur birthday, of the male members or a member in the family. This Family guru performed the Puja, before the male member(s) wore this yonaya. So dad wears a new yonaya every year on his birthday, mailed by Grandparents from India. “Ok – whatever”, was my response and I shut my eyes in exasperation. I would rather play for an hour than do this or wear anything like this!
These were my thoughts then. Today I am 10 years old and I have better understanding of most of the things. Few months ago, I saw my respected daddy doing Puja in the morning. This was a different puja than he usually does. I saw him standing in the kitchen, right after shower, shifting his yonaya from right side to the left side. While chanting, he poured water from right hand onto the palm of the left hand. After a minute or so, he changed the sides of the yonaya. I was curious and asked my mom what daddy did? This time my mom's explanation was a little grown up and emotional. I had mixed feelings. I was sad but at the same time, I said to my mom, "Good thing that dad's Thread ceremony was done. My grandfather does not have to worry about anything". My mom explained it to me and to Namo Bhaiya the importance and significance of the THREAD CEREMONY. Thread ceremony is the ritual when the young Hindu boy is given a sacred thread and initiated to the GAYATRI---the holiest of all mantras. To make it easier on me, my mom put it like this, Just as to get a good and responsible start in life, HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION is important, similarly in our culture, to enter into manhood and perform some important rituals, boys have to undergo the thread ceremony called JANEYU. Growing up, I have learnt so many customs and rituals that I am glad to be born as a Kashmiri Bhatta. It is absolutely fantastic! I can't wait to turn into a full blown MAN with a YONAYA around my shoulder just like my Dear daddy. |
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*Om kaul is 10 Years old. He is in 4th grade and goes to Elementary school in ANDOVER, MA.
He loves sports.His favorite sports is BASKET-BALL. He wants to play in the NBA. His HERO is PAUL PIERCE. He also loves Karate, Swimming,and Soccer.He has a sweet tooth. |
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Hi Om, I love your article and I too can't wait till I get my Yonaya.
Added By Arman koul
Om, your article has really taught me about Yonaya. I was always wondering what it was.
Added By Shyan koul
Dear Om od Bless you and your family . It is great to know that still some families like yours are inculcating the kashmari values in their families. God blees u
Added By S Badam
Dear Om, God Bless You. I really enjoyed your inquisitive nature and your observations towards knowing the minute details of the YONAYA.Thanks to your mom too for explaining it so well, that you are eagerly looking forward to wearing one at the appropriate time. All the best.
Added By Kaveri Hak
A touching account of a ten years old Bhatta boy who stands segregated from his community by Islamic terrorists before his baptisms and initiation into the community fold to carry his Vedic legacies forward.I hope someone from us could do something to educate our youth of our rich scriptual prescriptions and colorful legends!
Added By pushkar ganjoo
Dear Om Kaul, Congratulations! Please remember---the "Yonya" is of six strings and not of five strings, according to the Vedic scriptures. Bachelors put on Yonya with three strings and married persons with six strings.Nice feelings about the Yonya, is all encouraging.
Added By Chaman Lal Raina
Wow Om! That just blew me away! It was passionate, detailed, understanding. Kid, you have talent, keep it up! It was gaudy and fantastic! You must be very proud! I mean who wouldn't? Excellent job, rise boy rise, nobody can stop you!
Added By Anwesha Ghosh