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Independence Day 2014: Google doodle celebrates independent India's first postage stamp

Independence Day 2014: Google doodle celebrates independent India's first postage stamp

Written by Nirmalya Dutta |Updated : August 15, 2014 7:22 AM IST

google doodle15th August is India's Independence Day.

Celebrating the 68th Independence Day of India, Google paid homage to India's first stamp which was issued on 21 November 1947. It depicts the Indian flag, with the slogan Jai Hind, and was worth three-and-a-half annas.

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Some traditional Indian practices we should go back to

Eating with your hands

Indians, traditionally use their hands to eat. Be it rice, roti or any other type of food. But, did you know that the practice is actually great for your digestion, keeps all the five elements of your body in synch and protects your mouth from getting burnt apart from all the other health benefits it affords you? Well, with science proving all the health benefits of eating with your hands, we think it's time you gave this practice a shot.

Sitting on the floor and eating

With the presence of tables and chairs in almost all homes, most Indians have given up on the practice of sitting on the floor while they eat. But, we suggest going back to your roots. Sitting on the floor and eating has a number of health benefits that you might not know about. Right from aiding in proper digestion to hastening your metabolic rate, having a traditional Indian meal on the floor can do you a great deal of good. Read more about the health benefits of sitting on the floor and eating.

Read about more Indian traditions we should go back to...

Ancient Indian contributions to modern healthcare

Ayurveda: 'Prevention of diseases and cure of aliments' is amongst the core objectives of healthcare worldwide. And India is blessed with Ayurveda. It's the heritage of India, which has the first science to highlight prevention as an important objective before cure of diseases,' says Dr Rupali E Wankhede, who's practising at Sakha Ayurved. Food, shelter, sleep and sex are the agreed necessities of life and Ayurveda mentions the right quality and quantity of each of these parameters along with benefits.

'By introducing the concept of Dincharya (Daily Routine) & Ritucharya (Seasonal routine), Ayurveda emphasises the importance of maintaining health through following routine and not just taking necessary measures at the diseased stage,' she adds.

Yoga: According to Dr Rupali, Indian concept of health has broader horizons than any other concept. It believes in treating illness by addressing the root cause and preventing relapses. Yoga is another heritage which is believed to be have deeper roots in India. Today, it has gained immense popularity worldwide. It has proven benefits in physical as well as psychological symptoms with regular practice.

Meditation: The earliest scripture of meditation is available in our Vedas. Some experts even believe that it's the capacity of meditation that allows a person to improve his focus and attention. It's something that differentiates humans from animals. Today, people from all over the world practice and preach meditation

Read more about India's contribution to healthcare...

Traditional Indian pregnancy rituals

Revealing pregnancy after the third month: According to Indian customs, it is believed that keeping the pregnancy a secret helps to ward off evil eye that could harm the mother and the baby in some ways. The scientific explanation to this belief is that, the first three months of pregnancy are crucial. The chances of miscarriage are high and any undue strain or stress can harm the mother and affect her pregnancy. It makes sense to follow this custom and keep pregnancy a secret to avoid unwanted and unsolicited advice during the most tiring and crucial phase of pregnancy.

Practise garbhasnaskar: In India it is believed that a mother, and also the father, can connect to the baby right after the conception and help the child transform into a healthy human being. In ancient hindu texts and vedas this entire process is thought to be a scared way of bonding by stimulating the baby's senses in the womb through Garbhasanskar, wheregarbha means the womb and sanskar means imparting good values. It is done in a methodical way by chanting mantras pertaining to a specific purpose each month and instilling positive energy and right values in the child when in the womb, through inspirational and soulful words. Read more about the traditional Indian practices that every pregnant woman and mother should follow...

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