Written By: Tania Tarafdar | Updated : September 23, 2016 12:09 PM IST
We, as a generation, have developed a default cynical attitude towards our traditions and practices. But what we fail to understand is that every ritual and every practice has a reason backing it. The ancient Indian practice of sprinkling water in a circular fashion around their plate of food thrice is something we have probably seen our elders do. This practice is widespread as Pariseshanam in Tamil Nadu and Chitra ahuti in northern parts of India. According to common belief, it is a method of paying obeisance to deities and seeking blessings. Some even chant hymns while sprinkling water around food. But what you may believe is a religious practice is in fact much more than just that, says yoga and Ayurveda expert Raman Mishra.
Significance
In olden days, there were no concrete floors and people would sit on grounds and eat on a banana leaf. So if the mud was dry and someone passed from nearby, the dust particles would enter into the plate and make the food impure. The water around the food was sprinkled to make the dust particles settle down. Sprinkling water around food was also a way of preventing insects and pests from entering the plate. The practice has been particularly helpful in the night, as the illumination levels were less which made it tough for people to spot any pest or insect crawling into their plate. Here are other Indian traditions that are good for your health.
Sitting on the floor and eating also has significance. Sitting on the floor and eating is beneficial for health as the repeated bending of the spine improves blood circulation and digestion. So the next time you see someone, sitting on ground and sprinkling water around food, take off your cynical glasses and look at it with an open mind. Also, read why eating with your hands is good for your health.
Read this in Hindi.
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