Our diamond jubilee

Anniversaries are annual occasions that mark memorable events either in personal life or in the remarkable career of institutions. They are not always joyful as they may pertain to death as well. In a journey by train we have stops at prominent stations and destinations. Similarly, in life we have various occasions to celebrate or commemorate.
There are differing opinions about whether such celebrations should be public ones or restricted to the family on a small scale. My wife and I were fortunate to celebrate our diamond jubilee in December 2012, marking 60 years of loving togetherness. Since we are senior citizens (I am 92 and my wife is in her 80s) and have health problems, we decided to have a limited private family gathering organized by our loving children. Perhaps some friends may reproach us for not having a public celebration, but it is our privilege to decide. Many people spend a lot of money to celebrate the event in public to impress others. Is it worth it? Blessings and felicitations have far more value than gifts.
Wedding anniversaries are celebrated in appreciation of steady loyalty, long-standing love, dedication and understanding which enable a couple to remain together. In today’s world we observe marriages ending within a short time. We have to pay homage to Ahura Mazda and show our gratitude by having a jashan, maachi and doing some charity for this glorious opportunity to celebrate such significant wedding anniversaries.

NOSHIR DABOO
Ahmedabad