Arcot SethuRao GopalaKrishna, 88, with the family’s book, which has been maintained as part of its Lakshmi Puja celebrations since October 1876
The faded pages of a book hold nearly 150 years of a Hyderabad family’s Diwali celebrations. Dated October 16, 1876, its first entry marks the beginning of a tradition observed during Lakshmi Puja . Arcot SethuRao GopalaKrishna, 88, with the family’s book, which has been maintained as part of its Lakshmi Puja celebrations since October 1876 “This book used to be a totally private affair, confined to a few family members. Only whoever performed the puja signed it,” says Arcot SethuRao GopalaKrishna, 88. GopalaKrishna with his mother during the Lakshmi Puja celebrations in 1987
“I was the one who said whoever visited our house should sign, so that it would be on record. Initially, the book was part of the Arcot family’s puja ritual, with only those performing the ceremony making entries. It was much later that it became a record of everyone who visited the household on the day. Over the years, the pages have retained a common thread: the writing of Sri Rama Jayam, followed by signatures and, in some instances, personal messages. The entries trace a gradual shift from a single family member signing to every visitor being included. Changes in handwriting, from Tamil to English, and writing instruments, from ink pens to ballpoints, offer glimpses of the passage of time.
But over the last 20-25 years, I have begun to feel proud of it. Only those who performed the puja signed it.
It is a big book and a piece of history as well,” says his son, Vikram Handwritten messages, signatures and entries offer glimpses of a tradition preserved across generations This book used to be a totally private affair, confined to a few family members. For the younger generation, the book’s significance has only grown. “When I started off, I did not attach much importance to it. When I took over the ritual, I decided that whoever visited our house should also sign Gopalakrishna Handwritten messages, signatures and entries offer glimpses of a tradition preserved across generations Gopalakrishna with his son Vikram, daughter-in-law and grandson You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test Get the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.
