In India people throng temples when happy, sad, elated or depressed to offer obeisance to the power above us. It is very common for special poojas/rituals to be performed during occasions like birthdays, wedding anniversaries, birth of a child or for no reason at all. The duration of these poojas can go up to 4 to 5 hours during which the devotees are supposed to squat on the floor to either see or perform the pooja. But I wonder why, it is considered disrespect if people either old or young who cannot squat due to medical reasons prefer to sit on chairs in front of god. I don’t think god himself/herself has any problems with that, but the way temple authorities react when asked for chairs for people who cannot squat makes you feel as though you have commited a sin. It is ridiculous and inhuman to expect them to stand for hours until the pooja is over. Temple authorities please Hear! Hear!, it is not disrespect if people genuinely incapable of squatting sit on chairs for the duration of the pooja. Bejaru madkobedi, devaru adjust madkothare saar (Don’t be poignant, god will compromise). There is a saying in Kannada, “Devaru vara kottaru, Poojari vara kodalla”, which means even if God grants you the wish the priest will not.
There are exceptions to the case and most of the temples are very accommodative and go out of the way to offer chairs and also provide table and chairs while serving food. But some are yet to follow suit.