I understand what the tm is trying to ask. I was wondering the same when I saw her bindi yesterday. The question is not why she is not behaving like a widow since she is expected to but why she is not doing that since she (probably) belongs to a community/culture where these traditions are meticulously followed... Its not a matter of 21st century or thinking. We can think like that since most of us belong to different culture/society. Even I made sure my mother goes with her colorful saris and round red bindi after my father passed away even though we all mourned his death (to this date). BUT- Usually villagers are more conserved and steadfastly follow these rules, even if you tell them otherwise. I know many people like that.
But the last few comments above my post starting from Serial Junkie's gave perfect explanations. Thanks... That makes sense. She is too young to understand all these and usually elders make sure that these rituals are followed and poor paro- she is probably too numb to even understand the true meaning of widowhood...I can't watch somebody else imposing those things on her now...that will be too painful!
And to those who scream 21st century and women's lib, you don't know how the world behaves around you once you lose your husband...Indian society still has different sets of rules to men and women... You can try to act different but a widower is treated differently than a widow no matter which strata of society you go...Trust me- I have seen it and experienced it...
