Friday, July 20, 2012

Blessing A Day

India Art Journal July3,4,5 By Meera Rao

One of the first things I always do when I get to India is to visit the Ganesha Temple right across from my parents' house and give my thanks for  having had a safe journey over seas and continents :)  At the temple there is always tasty 'prasada' that is distributed to the devotees. In most of the temples, leaf bowls are used to make it easier for all to either consume it right there or take it home while also being environmental fiendly- a practice that is actually very ancient.

Most all Hindu household yards have a little special 'pot' where 'tulasi' plant is grown. Tulasi is considered as sacred, used in religious services and worshipped every day. It also is proven to have potent medicinal qualities and used in traditional treatments.

The lady in the last skectch is decorating the temple entrance with rangoli - elaborate designs that are drawn free hand with rice powder. While chatting with her I found out that she does this almost every morning as a volunteer 'seva' to the Lord. I definitely did not do justice to her beautiful 'rangoli' design.

I would like to end with a quote by Mark Twain from an account of his trip to India:

"In religion, India is the only millionaire....the One land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for all the shows of all the rest of the globe combined."
~Mark Twain.  

8 comments:

Unknown said...

You know what, Meera? I'm thinking it would be lovely if you wrote a little book about some of the customs and traditions that your family observes. They are so beautiful. I love reading your descriptions and seeing the illustrations that accompany them! Glad you're home safely!

Meera Rao said...

Thank you Katherine! I too keep thinking I want to make a book for my grand kid(s) :) lets see what happens !!!Thanks again for the encouragement.

padmaja said...

Meera, I am beginning to love every bit of your stay in India:-)
I too dont miss visiting to Ganesha temple and offer kadubu haara.

Meera Rao said...

padmaja, thank you :) Wow - kadabu haara offering - that is really special!

Sadami said...

Dear Meera,
Your India journal is so cute and lovely. Very colourful and also very thoughtufl and touchy. Thank you for sharing the deep thoughts and wonderful posts.
Kind regards, Sadami

Meera Rao said...

Thanks much Sadami! I guess, you and I share some things ;) i appreciate your comments!

B said...

love your india journal. all the best with yor mil. keep drawing and posting

Meera Rao said...

B, Thank you very much:) It find my self consantly thinking about what to sketch next and making a mental list of things to put in the journal !

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