SEEING GOD - A Documentary | Meet the Brooklyn Priestess Reinventing Hinduism

Seeing God - Winner of South Asian Film Festival of America 2022
Pratima Doobay is a priestess based in the west-Indian community in New York. She is the most recent in a familial lineage of priests; having grown up seeing her father conduct sacred Hindu ceremonies and guide the community out of their Brooklyn home. Through the lens of a first generation, spiritual, queer woman, we are shown both the joy and loneliness that Pratima faces everyday as a practitioner and leader of this divine faith. From her father’s initial rejection of her calling, to the effects of her darker complexion within a culture that is constantly dealing with its own casteism/colorism, we watch as Pratima prepares for an event at the Sri Trimurti Bhavan Temple in Ozone Park, NY.
#religion #queer #documentary #priestess #priest #westindian #filmfestival #hindupriest #womenempowerment #nyc #shortfilm
A @mildmanneredtimid film, starring Pratima Kushmani Doobay @shrideviarts
Executive Producers: Kunal M. Patel @kalysay, Kush Parmar @kushparm, Rianjali Bhowmick @rianjalimusic
Director: Kunal M. Patel @kalysay
Cinematographers: Sneha Antony @snehaantony, Rianjali Bhowmick @rianjalimusic
Editor: Cammeron Neely
Composer: Rianjali @rianjalimusic
Post Sound Mixer: Kush Parmar @kushparm
Colorist: Michael Macalincag
Special Thanks: Mahendranauth Doobay, Dhanmati Doobay, Sri Trimurthi Bhavan Mandir, @kap.9

[@yashmishra01]

An Amazing Short Documentary that shows the either side of Indentured Indian descendants' history, just like what 'Coolie Woman' (2018/ Gaiutra Bahadur) did in literature. Religion, Politics and Diaspora. Shot in a limited mise-en-scene, this documentary should be added in the list of some finest documentaries in the recent past for its brilliant narration and statement that it echoes.

[@mildmanneredtimid]

Thank you so much for this beautiful comment and such a high compliment. As a small production team, we created this entirely on our own with barely any budget which is why it's so rewarding to hear that our work resonated with you in such a meaningful way. That's all we really want - for the story to be shared and for it to inspire others. We're deeply grateful for your words and for recognizing the layers we aimed to capture in Pratima's story in such a short amount of time. Thank you for watching

[@nafezaallie1351]

Pratima is a beautiful soul! She has definitely transformed from someone I knew in middle school to now. Very courageous & I love that she followed her heart. Her parents are also amazing human beings. Keep going hun!!

[@lokkich487]

At Isha Ashram, there are women priests for Mother Bhairavi. There is nothing wrong with it. In Kerala and Tamil Nadu, there are specific temples for female deities or energies, which are looked after by women priests.

[@bipasharoy1288]

Namaskaram 🙏🏻

[@Idgaf0rk]

“It really started as a rebellion. Me showing my dad, I can do this better than you..” Those are the most liberating words I have ever heard a brown woman say. Seen🙋🏽‍♀️Thank you.

[@mildmanneredtimid]

Thank you so so much for sharing this. I'm one of the producers and the music composer of the film, Rianjali - and I FEEL you. I felt every word Pratima was sharing while I was filming her behind the camera. It's healing a part of all of us. So glad you felt seen

[@thecutlassmagazine]

Amazing to see the journey this short film has been on these past couple of years. Pratima-Ji continues to be a pioneer in the Indo-Caribbean Hindu community and the team behind this production has continued to push out excellent work. Many congratulations to everyone involved behind and in front of the screen, I hope this very special film finds its audience and inspires them.

[@mildmanneredtimid]

Thank you so much! We're truly grateful for the love. It's been an incredible journey to bring Pratima's story to life and share it with the world. And we especially thank you for your support. Truly hope it conitnues to inspire others in the Indo-Caribbean community and beyond

[@sourojeet]

This woman, right here, is the manifestation of Devi, the Divine Feminine Herself. The Goddess Kamakhya in Hinduism bleeds menstrual blood, and that is NOT considered a sign of impurity. It is a sign of fertility, a sign of rejuvenation. The origin of all is the divine Feminine womb, we all take birth out of it. It is high time women become priests, and this wonderful woman right here is shaping the way!

[@Diary_of_Devotion]

I’m sure I could find philosophical disagreements to dwell on, but what I’m really impressed by is that someone is willing to try and bring Sanatana Dharma into the present age. Our traditions are strong enough to speak to every generation if we will only let them. Fortunately in my sampradaya we have a long lineage of male and female acharyas. Not all lineages are gender exclusive.

[@mildmanneredtimid]

Thank you for sharing this thoughtful perspective! It's so wonderful to see how our traditions can evolve and resonate across generations. Pratima's journey is a testament to the strength of our heritage, with room for inclusivity and respect for all genders. Appreciate your insight!

[@lekshmivenu9979]

Thank you for sharing your story. Women of the Upanishads agree with you. Many inspiring women spiritual leaders then and now. Pravarjika Divyanandaprana is on KZbin. Sarada Math is a Hindu convent and there are some in California. Great that you are changing understandings in your local community.

[@rosanilebron1566]

What a beautiful soul! She is an embodiment of wisdom, and her community is fortunate to have someone like her, so welcoming to diversity an inclusion. I wish I had a small amount of her courage to put myself out in the world. Infinite blessings to Pratima, may the Divine Adi Parashakti guide your spiritual journey.

[@RianjaliMusic]

pratima’s voice is a representation of ours. more than ever, we need those who go against the grain and lead ❤

[@ShajahanMohammed1]

In case you get to read this comment, Pratima, I want to share that you are not alone in the fight. A lot many good souls are rooting for your success in this journey. You are an amazing being. You are true example of being an instrument of god. Mad respect to your conviction and clarity. Go Pratima! Love! ❤

[@khatejakadir2871]

So empowering! You can feel Pratima's energy. Seeing a woman carve a path into this field this is predominantly of men is so inspiring. Wish her all the best to continue her important work ❤

[@Leesagyal]

It’s inspiring to see spirituality in our community evolving in this way and allowing ppl to connect and feel safe to learn and grow.

[@NylasWorld]

Incredibly inspiring. Pratima is so courageous, following her soul and her heart. I just know Mata is proud of her 🌺🔱

[@alishasingh8094]

Well said ❤

[@halimaustin3580]

Well accomplished devotee.... May the divine shivshakti continued to guide and protect you all the way through this ❤😊🎉 hari om tat sat 🙌 🙏 ❤️ to all

[@sreedevibringi638]

Heartfelt blessings to this inspired -and -inspiring young Hindu priestess ! Om shaktyai namaha 🔔🎶🕉️🌸💥🌎🙏🏽

[@fact_catz]

AUM KALI mataji, let the ALL-MOTHER bless you

[@Pam-t9d]

Rise of the divine feminine until shiv shakti are balanced in the society

[@JoyRouge]

Love how she ended it: we need to start taking the Gods out of the temple and see them everywhere. Much love to you my sister. Kali to Kali ❤😊🙏

[@apb4646]

Go forward. Stay strong.

[@mildmanneredtimid]

Thank you for the encouragement and support!

[@narmadakeshav228]

Namaste 🙏🏽 you are an inspiring courageous young Laxmi. I am fed up with male Pandits reenforcing that only married couples can perform certain pujas, only sons can do the last rites for a parent, the list goes on. Well I am a divorce lady and I was told I could not give my daughter away at her wedding and I challenged this and did it . I live in the UK and my God the restrictions a female experiences within the community is unbelievable. I wish you were in the UK. May all the Goddesses bless you ❤🙏🏽🕉️

[@orangeturbandrummer1]

Wonderful! Keep going dear Pratima ! Jai Mata Di !

[@LOKRE]

As one who is apart of the Indian diaspora through indentureship and learning how to connect to my roots again - this inspired me

[@narmadakeshav228]

Please do more videos you will empower many matas and young girls 🙏🏽

[@mildmanneredtimid]

Can't express how much we appreciate your comment. We're a small little production company that started in NYC and we do everything with no funding. So it's extremely important to us that this reaches far and wide so we can get access to funding and create more stories like this! Thank you so much for supporting and appreciating this documentary!

[@angelkumarie2571]

Pratima is def a force to be reckoned with. What a great watch

[@mildmanneredtimid]

We wholeheartedly agree! Thank you so much for watching ❤

[@mantramagix]

I am literally at an ashram so sad because I feel like I cant be that self who wanted to shine, sing, be confident. Coming out of houseless, the ashram has taught me alot about vedic knowledge but I dont relate and I feel trapped. I pray that God could gift me as a humble Goddess and shelter and place of my own with a wonderful family.

[@masmadreamworld]

Jai Mata di , love you sooo much

[@nithyaaa]

a beautiful story and an important conversation👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@mildmanneredtimid]

absolutely. ❤ everything pratima stands for and says is challenging the norm

[@josephcraig2568]

Beautiful ❤️

[@worldwidevibe8964]

Thank you for your voice and your Prasad

[@slsureshkumar]

You are Devi herself ❤

[@Jenvlogs404]

Respect to roots and one of the few ancients aIive, keep on incorporating, so colorful and celebratory too.

[@leemoodley9149]

There is no big deal in Female being a priest. Female is more divine beings than male. We mixing culture verse Spirituality. Culture is developed around the society at a given time span. The soul is the same, not male or female. The perishing body is temporary temporary temporary

[@navinshettigar5137]

The lack of knowledge among Hindus is appalling, but not astonishing as the education has been skewed. During medieval period when invasions started to grow, women were sidelined. Rigveda Women Contributors : 4.18 Aditi 10.72 Aditirdakshayani 8.91 Apala atreyi 10.86 Indrani 10.85 Urvashi 10.134 Godha 10.39, 10.40 Gosha Kakshivati 10.109 Juhurbramhajaya 10.184 Tvashta Garbhakarta 10.107 Dakshina Prajapatya 10.154 Yami 10.10 Yami Vaivasvati 10.127 Ratrirbharadvaji 1.171 Lopamudra 10.28 Vasukrapatni 10.125 Vagambhrni 5.28 Vishvavara Atreyi 8.1 Sashvatyangirasi 10.151 Shradhda Kamayani 10.159 Shachi Paulomi 10.189 Sarparajni 9.86 Sikata Nivavari 10.85 Surya Savitri 1.126 Romasha 10.108 Sarama Devashuni 9.104 Shikhandinyava Psarasau Kashyapan 10.142 Jarita Sharngah 8.71 Suditirangirasah 10.153 Indra Mataro

[@KasDlonewolf]

Wonderful! Thank you!

[@devonn2756]

I Absolutely Salut Your Your Personal Energy and Pursuit and Goal. I further Love Your stand to take this on FOR YOU. Additionally I want to ADD that this Notion that is AND HAS BEEN Floating around in Our Society, Culture and widely Accepted belief that Women are suited TO BE a Priestess.. is 100% WRONG. WOMEN are Mammoth Personalities who are the Hallmark of Power Light n Luminance n Courage etc. YOU are Radiantly Beautiful n Powerful. Follow Through with this. Remember that Women are Worshipped and Called Upon during complete Unrest. It's Generations of Human Beings who have normalized this Acceptance that Women are not Worthy of Being A Priestess. WRONG INCREDIBLY INCORRECT n OUTDATED. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Sociology_Tube]

its the gayanins that will preserve and move forward hinduism theyve lived in the west far longer than recently arrived panditry.

[@saseram9494]

I am always amazed how women are marginalized by a male dominated ideology when Shiva and Shakti are one and the same. Good luck and best wishes to you!👍😊

[@dharmayogaashram979]

Namaste Panditaji. Congrats! Intelligent Hindus have always supported Panditas, Yoginis and Swaminis. You can be a great force to educate all those women into phony (non Hindu) yoga. Btw, is your family from Trinidad or Guyana?

[@goldenfleecewarren]

Courageous. Thanks for doing this short film, but profoundly succinct, touching on so many aspects... 🙏

[@mildmanneredtimid]

thank you so so much for your kind words. ❤

[@eliset4453]

amazing and beautiful story!!!

[@thegalacticgoddess]

🤍👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@savnikothi9268]

amazing🤩

[@charananekibalijaun8837]

She never heard of Brahma Kumaris (om Shanti) or the Jagadguru Kripalu Parishad. Women were/ are also instrumental in Belurmath. She just rides the feminist train. "So empowering, so liberating"...

[@shanta-x5y]

Explain to me anybody why the Hastag Queer ?

[@davidd7197]

She refers to herself as queer in the video.

[@appischakra]

எதனைஎதனால்எதற்காகஎப்பொழுதுஒவ்வொரு நிகழ்வும்மானிடன் அறிய மாட்டான்அதன் சூட்சுமத்தைஅவன் என்னத்துக் கேட்பகுழப்பங்களோடுஒரு மாற்றம் செய்வான்தர்மத்தின்நிழலைகாணாமல் நகர்வான்இன்று நடந்து கொண்டிருக்கும்அவளங்கள்

[@davidd7197]

" Reinventing Hinduism" is a bit misleading . I see it more as uncovering something which has always been integral to Sanatan Dharma but was repressed and distorted under subsequent invasions from Arab and European cultures which follow the Abrahamic religions. As an aside, it should be noted that Shiva ' conquers' Maa Kali by laying at her feet. Best wishes to Pratima Ji .🌺🌺🌺

[@TheDevaser]

Wow, an amazing lady! I salute her courage & I absolutely support her!

[@robertlight4326]

What does queer mean?

[@shefaalimahendar1560]

🙏🙏

[@NewProduK]

Yayayayayayaya

[@mildmanneredtimid]

I hope that’s a good yayayayyayaya 😂

[@arthiadavikolanu65]

very intriguing! beautiful message 😁😁

[@mildmanneredtimid]

thank you so much!

[@deeyakadam9132]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@renakmans3521]

I Am…

[@sorazmasterofdoom]

I have mixed feelings about this. I sense that leftist identity politics (i.e., "queer" as an ideology, not simply a word to describe a non-heterosexual person) clouds her judgement, colors her interpretation of the texts, and causes unnecessary conflict with her father. It's a very low-resolution worldview that simplifies complex history and deep concepts into abstract and convenient ideas like "patriarchy" and glorifies victimhood as virtuous; creating conflict and division where it need not exist. I worry that her motivation is rooted in insecurity and ego, and fueled by a form of narcissism rather than true devotion and the humility that is required. It sounds like she has something to prove and has been egged on by the leftist ideologue New Yorkers around her. However, I applaud anyone who follows a spiritual calling and I wish her the best. I just hope that she can be humble and recognize when she's hurting the family who love her, and realizes the immense responsibility of a priestly life and how it cannot be about her. In tantra there are many great female sadhika who perform pooja and rituals, so it's nothing new as a concept in Sanatan Dharma more broadly.

[@k.b.3683]

I was looking for this exact comment. Her political ideology is poison, antithetical to spirituality regardless what the queers in Brooklyn rebelling against their parents and seeking an interesting identity will tell you.

[@Anime-Face.]

Tat Tvam Asi

[@rajalakshmir5606]

Sanatana Hindu dharma has a whole lineage of highly revered woman saints like Maitreyi and Gargi, and even today women serve as priests in many Hindu temples, some of which are not even open to men. Compare this with the highly regressive tenets of Christianity and Islam, where women are still struggling to get their fair share of respect, wealth and social significance! If this woman Pratima is genuinely concerned about empowering women, let her dare bring out the rampant crimes against women in other religions, instead of targeting Hinduism just because its followers are too peaceful to launch a fatwa against her or announce a prize upon her head!! 😡😡😡🚩🚩

[@willjayden]

Om.namah shiva. Learn from Sadhguru Shivabalayogi. Ramana Maharshi. Rama khrishna SUPREME YOGI CHANNEL💥🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💥