'Childhood in India'
07/04/2008
An exhibition celebrating ‘Childhood in India’ is being held from 17 April 2008 until 22 June 2008. It takes place at the Ubuntu Centre for Arts and Childhood in Imst, Austria.
The exhibition was composed using children from SOS Children’s Villages within the context of religion and mythology.
These includes key moments from different religions:
Hanuman - is one of the most important personalities in the Ramayana. A picture of endless devotion, he is the provider of hope, kowledge, fearlessness and is pictured holding a mace or 'Gada' representing bravery or courage.
Prahlad - the son of demon king, Hirnakashyip, continued to worship Lord Vishnu and would not retract so his devotion to Vishnu in the fire left him unharmed.
Lord Krishna
Sita Mata
Lord Ganesha
Religious and mythlogical context
Some of these special occasions are highlighted through the exhibtion include key stages for children and teenagers as they grow up:
naming of the children
the first hair cut (‘Mundan’) - the ceremony is conducted during the first or third year of age. The child's first growth of hair is shaved after which the family does 'puja' to the deity. Mundan signifies freedom from the past and being initiated into a new life.
turban tying - (‘Pagri’) - the turban is crucial in faith. When a boy reaches a certain age (between 11 and 16) he is taken to a Gurudwara where his turban is ceremonially tied, representing respect and responsibility in which the turban is regarded.
commencement of education
Supporting children in India
These images, along with 5,000 rakhis made by SOS-India youth and children are on sale during the course of the exhibition, which hopes to raise funds for SOS Children India are on display at the exhibition.
The rakhis are bracelets traditionally woven from red and gold thread and used for the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan (taking place during August 2008), which celebrates the relationship between brother and sister. This festival has evolved over the years to encompass the importance of many people in Hindu society, yet foremost it continues to honour and uphold the relationship between a sister and brother.
SOS Children India has prepared the information for this exhibition.
Relevant Countries: India.