Exploring the traditions of India-Part 1
How?
I kept thinking 'how?' for nearly 2 months.The complete question was -how to celebrate new year differently?
I wanted to start 2014 with a different note.Not by usual 'wished my friends' or 'chocolates' method.But something different,such that it will be a special memory for me.
That's how 'Exploring the traditions of India' took its birth.
But honestly,when I started gathering resources,I dint know that it will take 3 months to finish it!
Don't think that I'm going to write about every Indian traditions.There are hundreds of tradition in India.And also if you google it,you can see many related topics.
So,I'm going to tell you only those traditions,which I practice.
They say,ancient India had rich scientific knowledge compared to other contemporary civilizations.So I've tried to uncover some hidden facts about the traditions I follow.Here is what I discovered from my observations.
1) Suryanamaskara:
Most of the Indians begin their day with 'yoga'.'Suryanamaskara' is an integral part of their practice.Even though 'Suryanamaskara ' is said to be 'worshipping of the deity,Surya ( Sun),the effect of 'Suryanamaskara' is similar to that of gymming.The 'asanas' practiced during 'Suryanamaskara' keep your body fit and flexible.
2) Sashtanga namaskara:
'Sashtanga namaskara' is a must during prayer.Men perform 'Sashtanga namaskara'-asana in which one's forehead,nose,hands,chest,abdomen,knee,feet must touch ground as shown in picture.Women perform 'Panchanga namaskara' - asana in which only 5 organs should touch ground.They say,performing 'Sashtanga namaskara or panchanga namaskara' shows high degree of devotion.But it shows the humble personality of the person.So,it is also a way of determining once personality.
3) Ghee:
In India,meals are incomplete without 'ghee'.It is a must in every meal.In South India,meals are served on banana leaf, rubbed with ghee.It is found that,ghee acts as a neutralizing agent against high acidic or basic conditions.So basically,ghee is used just to minimize gastric problems,that may occur after meals!
Curious about the image?
Want to know more?
Stay tuned.....................
