Our culture, especially through the lens of Hinduism, is not just a religion—it’s a way of life. For generations, our ancestors lived by its values, practices, and rhythms with deep commitment and reverence. These weren’t just rituals—they were part of everyday living, seamlessly woven into family, community, and personal growth.

However, somewhere around three to four generations ago, something began to shift. The transmission of this knowledge—of traditions, rituals, and their deeper meanings—began to slow down. With the advent of modernity and a growing influence of Western thinking, especially in urban India, this cultural continuity started getting diluted.

There was a time when elders would introduce children to rituals simply by including them in daily practices. Children followed along, observing, participating, and gradually internalizing them. As they matured, they would naturally begin to question and seek the “why” behind these traditions—either by asking their elders or gurus, or through self-inquiry and life experiences. That questioning came from a place of readiness and ripeness.

But today, the trend is quite different. Many parents feel that their children should do something only if it makes logical sense to them. Everything must be questioned—even by a 5-year-old. While encouraging inquiry is important, what often gets missed is the understanding that children process the world differently at different ages. What a child grasps at 5 is very different from what they’ll understand at 15 or 25—or even at 50.

Our ancestors understood this beautifully. They didn’t enforce blind obedience but allowed understanding to emerge over time. Until then, they gently guided children to follow certain practices as part of a routine—trusting that maturity and clarity would blossom in due course.

When we prematurely push children to question things that require deeper maturity to truly grasp, we may unintentionally rob them of the innocence and joy that belong to their age. It can lead to confusion, restlessness, and even cynicism. Not everything needs to be explained immediately—some things need to be experienced first, and understood later.

In our parenting journey, we often reflect on this balance—how to pass on our culture meaningfully while also staying present to the times we live in. We believe the answer lies in allowing children to experience tradition first through loving participation, and then gradually open the door for deeper understanding as they grow.

Chennai, April 8, 2025 — A midday chat between Nandhini and Bharath while preparing lunch.