In Indian culture, there are many vows and rituals, and most of them are observed by women. If a woman faces some hardship, she undertakes a fast as a vow. On that day, she worships the banyan tree. She offers as many as 108 items to the deity, as much as she can afford—betel leaves, mangoes, sweets, bananas, coconuts, areca nuts, silk, sweets, sarees—whatever she can manage, she offers. After making the offering to the deity, she distributes the prasad among the women in her community, especially those whose husbands are alive.

Shyam’s mother used to observe this vow. In earlier days, she performed it with great devotion. At that time, there was prosperity in the house. She donated many valuable things. But now, that situation no longer remained. There was poverty at home. She had to think carefully about what she could afford to offer. Yet she did not abandon the vow. What was the point of asking her husband for money when there was barely enough to eat, drink, or wear? How could she ask him for anything extra? Such thoughts would trouble Shyam’s mother.

It was the time of the festival. There was a small bundle of savings. Shyam had come home. It was during those very days—

On Mondays, Uma’s festival would come. Shyam eagerly awaited it and made preparations for the puja to Uma as was his custom. He asked his mother what should be offered to the goddess. Janaki’s mother had told her that a hundred betel nuts should be offered.

“I have already given betel nuts!” said Mother.

“What if you give something else? Only two days are left for Uma’s festival. Give something sweet, won’t you?” Shyam pleaded.

“Sweetmeats, oil—these things are measured out equally for everyone,” Mother replied.

“Then you offer 108 pieces of jaggery!” said Shyam.

“Shyam, there’s no money even to buy salt in the house. Where am I to get money from? Do you think there’s a money tree in our yard? That coins fall from the sky? We are poor, don’t you know that?” Mother explained gently but firmly.

Then Shyam suggested offering 108 mangoes. But Mother said she had already given those. Shyam then asked for 108 tamarinds to be offered. Mother pulled out a few dried ones from the kitchen. Shyam noticed people laughing, and Mother, a little embarrassed, moved aside. She said, “Let people laugh if they want to! What does it matter to them? God does not laugh at anyone!”

“Shyam, God never gets angry. Whatever is given to Him, it should be given with love. Vidura offered Him just a handful of rice, Sudama gave Him puffed rice, Shabari gave Him half-eaten berries. If something is given with love, even if it is very little, it is enough for Him. If it is not given with love, He remains hungry. Whatever is given with love tastes sweet to Him. Whatever is given from the heart—”

Why do you like it so much?