JALDI JALDI USE HALDI

Turmeric is probably the most revered spice in Ayurveda. It is more than just a spice. One cannot imagine a Hindu festival or wedding without this amazing wonder of nature. The western world has just started to understand turmeric whereas our ancestors knew it properties for centuries and incorporated it in our daily cuisine.

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic properties and is considered a blood purifier. Curcumin, found in turmeric, is an anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidant is a substance that has the ability to stabilize or neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals. There is a lot of research being done to see whether turmeric can be used to treat arthritis.

It is interesting to see how Indian culture has incorporated turmeric in everyday life. My grandma once told me that her mother used to apply turmeric paste daily to her feet. The reason behind this custom is that not many wore sandals/chappals in olden days and by applying turmeric paste they made sure that their feet were healthy. We Konkani's (GSB's) incorporate it in our pooja and each and every auspicious occasion.

• Turmeric helps reduce pigmentation on the face and even out your skin tone. It can be easily done at home. Mix a little turmeric with cucumber or lemon juice and apply to your face. Leave it for some time and wash off. A one-time application will be of little help and only regular use will give a soft glow to your face.
• Troubled with acne? Turmeric is a beauty ingredient that is harmless and yet offers great results. Turmeric mixed with sandalwood powder and a little water, and applied to the face can greatly reduce the appearance of acne. Turmeric can replace all the expensive face creams and gels.
• Here’s a great idea for an all over body scrub. Mix some turmeric with gram flour and water and use it to scrub all over your body before your shower. It helps in reducing skin infections (like itching, marks left on body due to chicken pox and even rashes).
• Try applying a mixture of turmeric with yogurt to the parts on your skin which has stretch marks. It is said that if you continue this regularly, it will help in maintaining the elasticity of the skin and prevent stretch marks.
• For those who want to reduce the hair growth on their face, turmeric again comes to the rescue. Regular washing with turmeric reduces facial hair growth significantly.
• My Grandmother often preferred to apply a paste of turmeric to minor cuts, bruises and bumps as it reduces the swelling just as an ice pack would do, without the discomfort. Its various antiseptic properties are perfect for using it for minor cuts, wounds and abrasions and it helps in quickening the healing process.
• If you've accidentally burnt your hand in the kitchen, here’s a quick remedy to ease the burn. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric with some aloe gel and apply to the burn.
• Dump those D Cold and other medicines (for cold) and simply mix a spoonful of turmeric in hot milk and drink it down. The hot milk eases the throat and the turmeric fights infection in the throat.
• Turmeric helps reducing gum infections also! Apply a mixture of turmeric, rock salt and mustard oil to the affected area around two to three times a day. Follow this by washing your mouth with a little warm water.
• Feeling listless and tired? Then a teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed with honey helps.
• Turmeric powder mixed with water is also known to help diarrhoea.

Another interesting way to benefit from turmeric is to take it in the form of tea. Here is a simple recipe for Turmeric Tea: Boil water, add turmeric powder, grated ginger (or cardamom pods work well too), little sugar. Add some milk. Let it simmer for a few more seconds. Enjoy. I got this recipe from an neighbor in Mumbai.

But sadly due to adulteration of food products turmeric these days can turn into a bane rather than a boon.

SYMBOLISM OF GANAPATHI VISARJAN

I am an ardent devotee of Ganapathi Bappa. But despite of that I had no answer when my husband asked me why the idol is immersed in water. Hence I started enquiring about it and found many answers including the spiritual as well as the environmental aspect.  I made a study on it which I wanted to share with the readers of Annapoorna Srishti.

Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations end with the immersion or Visarjan of clay
Ganapati idol in water. Hindus worship Brahman or the Supreme Soul present in all animate and
inanimate. But for majority of the people it is not possible to worship this formlessness. They need a form to pray to, to seek help, to cry and to take blessings. Ganesha is ‘OM’ - the primordial sound or the first ‘Vaak.’ Nirguna Para Brahman takes the form of Ganesha.

Clay and water is mixed to give form to the formlessness. Each person brings Ganesha in clay idol
form into the home. This is the Supreme Being arriving at home. After the celebrations, it is time to
accept the eternal cosmic law that which took form has to become formless again. It is a never
ending cycle (Chakra) in which the formlessness gives way to form and then moving again towards
formlessness. Each year Ganesha arrives to teach us that forms change but the Supreme Truth
remains the same. Body perishes but Brahman residing in it remains constant. This body becomes
energy for another but the source of energy is the same.

Bliss is achieved when we realize this. The act also symbolizes the concept of Moksha, or liberation, in Hinduism. Osho says – ‘Absolute unclinging. That is what is meant by Moksha – freedom – no clinging, not even to gods.’ Thus we create Ganesha out of clay, worship it and later it is submerged (Visarjan).

Gradually the clay dissolves into water. Ganesh's image disappears. This ritual is designed by our
ancestors to draw attention to the 'ephemeral nature of life and worldly things' showing that nothing
in this mortal world lasts forever.

It celebrates the fact of life of Creation (Idol construction), Perpetuation (21) the number of days
keep varying in various religion) of days celebrations and finally Visarjan or immersion
(Destruction) in water bodies! With Fun and fair! The celebration points to the fact that death is
imperative/essential for Creation of new! That’s why people say-Ganapati bappa moriya, Agle varsh too jaldee Aa!

Due to the ritualistic worship, the idol of Sri Ganesh is charged with the Ganesh Principle. By
immersing the idol in flowing water the Ganesh Principle in the idol also flows and spreads far and
wide. With the evaporation of the water charged with the Ganesh principle, the entire environment
also becomes sattvik.

To reserve fresh water of rainy season in ponds, lakes, tanks and other water bodies we need to dig
out the old clay or soil in them. To show the accordance between environmental awareness and
Hindu rituals, Ganesh idols are prepared with clay of tanks or ponds. But why the clay idols are
immersed in the same water from where the artisans picked out the clay? The clay idol is
worshiped with turmeric and some other natural herbs during the Ganapathi pooja. The herbal
characters of these materials help the water animals like fish, tortoise, etc to grow well.

Ganesh festival is not only a Hindu ritual but it also reminds us the protection of environment. As
per the scriptures and traditions only clay idols are to be worshipped and immersed in water. Those
who celebrate Ganesh festival in eco-friendly manner and those who avoid immersion of eco-harmful and eco-hazardous material in water would be blessed.

Important: Use only clay Ganesh idol and please do not throw plastic in water. Perform a symbolic
immersion in a bucket of water and then use it to water plants. (This is for those who celebrate it at
home).

Indian way of Eating

From the unknown past, eating from banana leaf has been a part of the Indian culture. The banana leaf is also a practical kitchen tool. As a food wrapper, it functions like a plastic wrap, parchment paper, and aluminium foil to prevent drying, sticking and retaining heat. You can lay a banana leaf down and serve food on it like a plate or place-mat, and fold it into various shapes as to-go containers. It's also great for lining steamer trays to prevent sticking. It's biodegradable

too. That’s ancient green living!

It is easily available and readily disposable. This is the reason why banana leaves are used in functions like weddings, birthday celebrations and other auspicious celebrations at home. In India

used banana leaves are fed to the cattle and are disposed of without causing much pollution. It is considered auspicious to put a bit of sweet dish (dessert) on the banana leaf to eat before the actual meal is placed.

According to tradition, one has to eat carbohydrates (rice) first, then protein (dal), iron-rich vegetables and fat (curd). This is the order in which food is served and consumed as well. It is even
more traditional to sit on the floor on a mat and eat one’s food. One has to squat as if one is sitting in the padmasana (lotus) pose. When we sit down and have food we have to bend a bit to take food into our mouth. And thus we won’t be over filled with food. People might have noticed this when they eat a sumptuous meal in temple. These days at home people have started eating at dining table watching a TV (not even knowing the amount of food they have consumed).

Similarly we usually consume our food with hands and we do wash our hands before we eat food
thus ensuring cleanliness. In India eating is perceived as being a sensual activity. the idea being that
one should be able to enjoy the process of eating with as many senses as possible- smell, taste, sight and texture.

Eating from a banana leaf is considered hygienic and healthy. Any guest can be served on a banana
leaf which is considered humble and respectful.

What are some of the benefits of serving food on banana leaves?
-Easily disposable and environment friendly (clean). Burn them and the ozone layers are not
affected.
-Why does food taste better when served or cooked in banana leaves?
-As there is no chemical reaction, the food keeps its value intact: it can endure heat and react well
without tearing apart from the heat.
-The green leaf adds value to food (just like any other greens) and it contains the leafy taste to make it better!

Significance of Rangoli

Rangoli –the traditional Indian art in front of the house is one of the sacred and age old secret
phenomena of Intention. The term RANGOLI is derived from 'Rang'(colour) + Avalli (coloured
creepers) or 'Rang' + 'aavalli' (row of colours).In ancient times, beautiful rangoli patterns and designs were made at the entrances of Indian homes for beautifying them and welcoming the guests. Besides a creative expression of art, they were also considered a symbol of good-luck.

People make rangoli on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, not only to welcome guests, but goddess Laxmi (the goddess of wealth and fortune) as well. Rangoli has exactly similar science behind it but for different reasons. While creating a Rangoli, ladies used to sing sacred mantras and used to believe that this will guard them from evil forces.

While creating Rangoli intention energy behind this creation is of welfare of the family. When you
create intention spot, it is capable of changing your thoughts.

Rangoli's are not only meant for mere beautification of the house but are also supposed to prevent
evil from entering the home. Here’s an explanation to support the age old belief and practice.
Both positive and negative energy dwell in the atmosphere. They seek refuge as and when they are
provoked by us. The saying ‘You reap as you sow’ aptly fits into this situation.

The reason why we say we must think positive is because we tend to invite positivity by thinking constructively and being optimistic. Negative thinking is never straight. Rangoli designs always look complicated. The negativity that is in the air gets entangled in the complexity of the rangoli design and fails to enter the house. Hence rangoli's absorb evil and prevent negativity from harming us. They also remind us to keep thinking positively, so that we can make our lives prosperous.

Traditional rangolis were made of rice powder and with time, people started using variety of colours. The reason why our predecessors used rice powder was to feed birds, insects and the other lives that thrive in the soil.

So, whenever you put rangoli, remember you are not adding to the decorations of your house but
also making your house an epicentre of positive energy. Also try using natural colours so that you donot end up harming your skin.

A Life Story

This article was written on the occasion of my parents 25th anniversary.

It’s not a love story; it’s a life story…

It was on May 29th, 1987 my mom and dad were tied in a knot. It’s been 25 years. A milestone has been covered by them in the wonderful relationship of marriage. I have often wondered how two people with complete different personalities can ever live together. But then I realised that it is love and understanding that helps in the growth of a healthy relationship.

My dad was born and brought up in Kochi. After facing lots of hardships and doing hard work he
finished his graduation and has been in the banking sector since then. He could not afford higher
studies due to financial problems, but after marriage he even finished his MBA. He is a person of
very few words; as they say action speaks louder than words. He is a person with lot of general
knowledge as he never misses reading the newspaper. I remember him helping me out in my school
days with my studies, especially Mathematics. He never took promotion earlier in his life as it would mean travelling from one place to another which would also mean staying away from the family. He has always put his family first rather than success and money. But in the end he got it all. My dad’s the best is all I can say.

My mom hails from Manipal. The very first thing anyone would notice about her is her warm smile.She is an obedient daughter/daughter-in-law, caring mother, lovable wife, an efficient banker and above all the most wonderful person I have ever met. She may be an ordinary person to others but for me she is a role model. Her routine starts at 5.00 in the morning, be it a weekend or weekday. Even if she falls ill she hardly sits and creates a fuss about it. I often wonder where she gets all this energy from. She ends up making a lot of friends wherever she goes.

My dad is reserved and my mom is outgoing. Two different personalities definitely attract each
other. They complete each other in many ways. They always have faced problems together. They are always there for each other. When my dad finally took promotion once we kids grew up, he had to move to Mumbai for 3 years. My mom was there as a brave lady taking care of everyone in the family. Likewise when my mom had to go for an unavoidable training in Pune for 2 weeks, my dad managed it all. They do have their difference of opinion too, but in the end they keep it aside and work together. They make it a point to communicate their feelings with each other.All I wish for them is many more years of being together in happiness. They have finished the mark
of silver jubilee. Happy anniversary mom and dad. Love you…

Touching the feet of Elders and its Significance

Indian culture has various kinds of practices. There are scientific reasons behind each one. And the

younger generation does not know the significance of many of the practices.

One such practice unique to India is touching the feet of the elders, saints, sages and parents. Why is this done?

There are several benefits behind this tradition. According to scriptures, the act of touching feet is

a mark of kindness and in return the elders bless the person which reduces his/her misfortune and

calms down the mind.

There are some physical, mental and ideological developments associated with it. The person is not

only benefited with the blessings but unconsciously the person reveals his/her modesty and humble

nature.

It is also a sort of exercise. There are three methods of touching the feet. The first is to lean forward and touch the feet, second way is to sit on knees and the third one is the 'Sashtaang Pranaam'.

• Leaning forward and touching the feet stretches the waist and back bone.
• The second method relieves pain of the knees as the person bend his/her knees.
• All the joints of the body get stretched in the third method which removes stress and cures body pain.
• Bowing down increases blood circulation which is beneficial for a good health.

  

Touching the feet reduces ego as it indicates respect and subservience. When the feeling of respect

and dedication arouse automatically it suppress the egoistic nature of the person.Touching the feet of elders and parents before venturing any new task or assignment, ensures

success and confidence.

With all these benefits and advantages, the custom is being practiced whole heartedly and it indicates India's rich heritage.So with all the above mentioned benefits don't forget to touch the feet of elders on each and every occasion now and then. You get the blessings as well the exercise. 

Traditional Ornaments and their Significance

From Vedic days up till today there are a number of Ornamental jewellery  which is used during now and then, which can be seen on the sculptures of the temples. Both men and women use jewellery in day to day life. Just to remind them of the past life styles and fashions, I list below a few of the jewellery and ornaments that were used in those olden days and it's scientific value.

Yester year’s women's favorite ornaments are listed with its usage and explained with its significance of wearing the same. Ornaments and Jewels are considered fashionable all over the globe. But in ancient times, Indians & majority of Hindu women used these ornaments, mainly made of Gold and some Silver, with so beautiful crafting and designs, all the good work handcrafted by goldsmiths.

There were and are numerous ornament decorative or otherwise but the Hindus wore these ornaments in every visible part of their body! They wore jewellery items not just for show, but with some inner meaning to it(some which I found online and some passed on from generations to generations, I don’t have any scientific proof’s to prove them).

To begin with, an ornament used by Indian married women, as Metti (Suttungal), in general worn by Brahmin women in particular, is made of Silver. This is a ring with two or three line rounds, worn in their second finger from toe. By wearing this in both feet, it is believed, that their menstrual cycle course is regularized with even intervals. This gives good scope for conceiving to married women. Also it is said that a particular nerve in the second finger from toe, also connects the uterus and passes through the heart. Because of this, the constant friction caused while walking and doing all sorts of chores during a day, it revitalizes the productivity organs. Silver being a good conductor, it also absorbs the energy from the polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body, thus refreshing whole body system.

Next, above the feet joint, we wear an ornament known as kolusu in Tamil (Ghejje), Ghungru in Hindi, which is known as Anklets in English. It is widely believed that by wearing this, one's energy is not wasted but re-vibrated back to one's own body. How far this is true just cannot be said, but for generations Indian women of all ages and walks wear this ornament. Even the new generation wear it . This item made of Silver and is available in so many attractive designs and it really makes a woman pretty. Sometimesthe anklets are also made of gold though it is said that humans are not

supposed to wear anklets made of gold as it is only used for Gods and Goddesses.

Another jewellery ornament used by Indian women as Hip Belt called Oddiyaanam (Kurta Patto). This too, is made of Silver, but the usage of this is not common. It is very particularly used to control women from getting fatter and to avoid deposition of fat (flab) in hip and pot belly. Since no women use it these days one can see the results that are visible! If it was ever scientifically proved we would have to close all the gyms and there would be no crash diets.

A piece of stud like ornament worn by women on their nose, commonly known as nose-ring (known as Mukkuthi or Mookuthi in Tamil and Nath in Hindi). The custom to wear this ornamental jewel is typically different from one state to other, one caste to other and even different amongst communities. Some use it in their left nose, some at right and few wear it in both sides of their nose. Though it is mainly used for beautifying women, the in-depth meaning can't be termed as an unfound myth. It is considered as a breath regularizer and some say it is just to eliminate the poison (i.e the carbon dioxide) which we inhale along with oxygen. Because the practice varies from one part to another, one cannot be sure what the actual benefit derived is, by using this item. But traditions apart, every community and caste, without any barrier uses this nose-stead. No one can deny, that this ornament adds extra beauty to the wearer!

These are just the beliefs that do not match the modern thinking but are accepted by few clusters of people.

After all,

The real ornament of woman is her character, her purity.

                                                                                       - Mahatma Gandhi