I am an Indian, living in the National Capital Region, Uttar Pradesh's urban city of Ghaziabad. It's a planned, developed urban area with high-rise buildings, a Habitat Center, sprawling malls, and other modern, urban infrastructures. The city has developed over the years, in leaps and bounds. But, sadly its people's mentality still has a long way to go. It is not a one-off incident that triggered this chain of thought in me. As we know, the pious occasion of Navratri is underway. A nine-day festival celebrating the symbolism of courage and valor of Goddess Durga. The festival in North India is marked by observing fasts for 9 days and/or following strictly vegetarian diet or by eating fruits. The vegetarian diet also excludes consumption of root vegetables like onion, garlic and other such items. It is like a cleansing ritual which is beneficial for our health, if done under proper guidance.

Neither I observe fasts during such festivals, nor do I feel guilty about not following the rituals. 

I walked into 3 shops and asked them to pack me a dozen eggs. To my surprise and amusement, I kept getting curt dismissals. These shopkeepers were not even uttering the word 'अंडा,' just gesticulating at me by swinging their heads from side to side. I thought, Ok! What the hell, not a big deal. I will try my luck in other shops. But, I had no idea that the situation I was getting myself into, was not going to be funny. I was also taken aback by the sheer lack of civility among these people. This miniature version of a super store, just around the corner was open. I walked in and feebly asked a man at the counter to pack me a dozen eggs. The man was pre-occupied and so, didn't listen to me properly and asked again what I wanted. This time in a more firm and loud voice I said pack me a dozen eggs and a packet of bread to go with. The customers in the store and the shopkeeper turned and looked at me in disgust. The counter guy said in an exasperated tone,

By now I wanted to get out of that store, but not without giving them a piece of my mind. The shop owner then sensing the tension said in a subdued tone,

I don't consider myself belonging to any particular religion. The statement might sound of a confused mind. But, I don't want to ascribe to a particular line of thought and constrict the scope and reach of my life. Religion is a relative choice. And, I am not making a vague statement here. I believe in this thought. I want to be part of a larger ecosystem which values humanity. Cliche, right?!

Religion is a catalyst, which brings discipline in one's life. And, no offence to anybody who follows rituals in order to invoke positivity and bliss in their lives. But, spiritualism is diametrically opposite to religion. Rituals do not guarantee spiritual elevation. Your deeds and actions decide the goodness in you. Although, following rituals might provide a sense of hope. But that is all there is to it.