REASON FOR RITUALS

DO YOU KNOW?

How Many Styles Of Sarees Do Indian Women Follow?

The saree is worn in least of 10 to 15 styles throughout India Why rangoli /kollam did become a custom? In olden days, they used coarse rice flour for drawing kolam. It was drawn not just for decoration purpose, but it was to invite birds and other small creatures like ants, to eat it, so that they don't work hard for meal.

Drawing Kolam also helps to improve mental discipline and concentration. It is believed that the "Dots" are symbolic of Challenges which we have to face in our lives and the "Curvy”, line around these dots is the journey (Yathra), during our life.

Why do women keep bindhi/pootu/thilak?

A Hot Spot!

• The area between the eyebrows, the sixth chakra known as the 'agna' meaning 'command', is the seat of concealed wisdom.
• It is the centre point wherein all experience is gathered in total concentration.
•  According to the tantric cult, when during meditation the latent energy ('kundalini') rises from the base of the spine towards the head, this 'agna' is the probable outlet for this potent energy.
• The red 'kumkum' between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration.
• It is also the central point of the base of the creation itself — symbolizing auspiciousness and good fortune.

Why do Indian married women wear toes ring?

Women wear the toe rings in pairs on the second toe of both feet as a symbol of their married state. The toe rings are usually quite ornate in design and are always silver unless the woman is a member of the royal Indian families. Gold is considered a "pure" metal and should not be worn below the waist.

There is also a belief that the wearing of toe rings press on certain nerves that pertain to the reproductive system, keeping it in balance and healthy. Ancient Ayuvedic medicine has long been used along as acupressure. The Indians believe that your "prana" or life force must be in balance in order for you to stay healthy. All of the paths of your "prana" run down to your toes, so the idea that a marital symbol could double up as a reproductive enhancer is not a big stretch.