The Fading Embers of Tradition: A Lament For a Lost Era

As we are gradually moving towards in life, we often hope for the best and the best to come, but in this period we don't realize that what we are losing, at that time we are being selfish, we know that we are losing the traditions and culture, gradually we are not moving to advancement, whereas we are moving to a collapsing era. No one is realizing it; we lost that era where everyone was always available for each other, where neighbors were like family, where we cared for each other's emotions, where we respected elders, where everyone's heart was pure, and where elders were obeyed, but unfortunately, we lost it! In the era that belongs to our ancestors, they were used to being with each other through thick and thin. At their tea, they used to share their memories. They want to create a great example for youngsters, and they want to convert that love to their intergenerational generations. One of their most loved traditions was "mach kachehri." But this is a dark reality: our traditions and that era, which was filled with purity and sincerity, have been lost. 

Those long-lasting nights of winter, enjoying the tea on ("Mach kachehri"), an old Sindhi winter tradition in which a group of people sit around a bonfire during winter. It's usually held in villages where the elders sit around and tell proverbs, riddles, and stories, and sometimes problems are discussed during the time. At that time, villagers close their work and go back to their homes; it's a sign of brotherhood among each other. But it's sad to witness that it's gradually dying. Whereas the elders were used to sitting every night, now it's occasionally held, like at any wedding or occasion in the winter.   

At that time, when someone from them was in difficulty, they used to be with each other; if he couldn't sleep, others couldn't sleep. They were always ready to sacrifice for each other, but now, no one can care, in what difficulty the other person is or what he or she is facing. That's the true reality of today's world. At that time, there was no gossiping, no ego, no aggression. They used to be calm and patient. And always fun-loving and sensible.

WEDDINGS 

At times, weddings were the pure source of happiness for them. They were very simple and composed without showing off; everyone would become mad and do jhumar (a traditional dance) selflessly, and their celebrations were held till the night, including antakshari (a musical game), jokes, and rasams (traditions) with an actual smile, laughter, and happiness.  

These days, everyone is irritated with one another, doesn't give a damn about what's going on, and is connected to one another through mobile devices, which is damaging people's mentalities and creating an environment that is so bad for future generations.Those people didn't have cell phones or any other kind of electronic communication equipment in the 1990s. In the past, they would write letters to one another, which would arrive after three or seven days. They waited several days to meet each other and to see each other. At that time, they used to travel by train. As intercity transport, they used tangha (horse carts) despite a lack of facilities. At that time, education facilities were not that furnished, but they were used to being very happy with that, and they were grateful for that. They couldn’t celebrate Eid without each other; they all used to gather at their hometown to celebrate Eid. Their lives were not full of facilities, but they were happy and enjoyed those things. At times, there was no jealousy or envy, which is why they were happy and peaceful.

IMPACTS 

And now, where we have everything but not that tranquilly, where we have every convenience but not that joy, where we have every connection but not that love, because this progress has destroyed human positivity, in this so-called modernisation we have lost every quality that was present in the lives of our ancestors because there is now only hatred, envy, and jealousy among people in this world. We are far from peace, love, and stability even with these amenities and technological developments.