The observation of Ningol Chakouba has become more extensive and liberal over the times with civil society organizations and even branches of the government depending on its ability to heal differences and develop deep sense of attachment, during their undertakings for building inter-communal harmony and improving relationship with targeted audiences. From ages, it has been the ideal time for strengthening family bond because of the opportunity provided for the entire members of the clans to get together under a single roof and the profuse show of emotions exhibited during the occasion. For hundreds of women who are married to far-off places away from their parental homes, it is the time they have been looking forward the whole time. In its original form, Chakouba is the epitome of the everlasting bond of love and affection existing in the family even after the female members get separated and live with their husbands after marriages. For the sisters and daughters, the festival is a symbol of praying for the welfare of their parental families. For the male members, it is a reaffirmation of the pledge to protect their sisters and daughters and to welcome them with open arms whenever they visit.
Each year, the spirit of the festival arrives like a soft autumn breeze, making sharp changes in the minds of the people that it touched, in unbelievable ways. The Scrooges open up their clutched hands and behave most magnanimously, the sloths flex their limbs and strain their brains for once in hope of accumulating some money and the prodigal take a break from their extravagant and wasteful ways – all of them with the sincere intention of assembling token of love for their folks. At this exact moment, people discard other preoccupations and focus their thoughts on their family members only. The joy of gift giving abounds.
But sadly, gift giving is not always equal and for that reason disappointment is guaranteed to catch up with some of us. Greed and the crude battle of pride fought through exhibition of superior gifts and paying minute importance on the gifts exchanged have blemished the pristine beauty of this ancient tradition. Here, we have to make the consideration that Ningol Chakouba is a tradition with a simple origin and its essence is the show of love and gratitude among family members, with the married members occupying the centerpiece. This idea should be instilled to save the core idea behind the tradition and eliminate aggravated feelings of inferiority, hurt and shame.
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