India is a land of rich cultures and wisdom. Yoga, Meditation, Nonviolence, and Secularism are some of the time-tested concepts that emerged from this subcontinent. There are numerous good customs and practices of the past influencing the lifestyles of the Indians. They all have solid principles and practical implications. So, the knowledgeable people do not discard but accept them as the ideal ways to live in harmony with the nature. Without understanding their value, some call them as 'Orthodoxy', 'Traditional', 'Unscientific', 'Religious' and 'Blind ideas.' The most popular and five practices are listed here to drive home their significance in our life.
Oil bath. Taking an oil bath once in a week, excepting the days of fasting is advised. This is done by smearing the sesame oil all over the body and bathing 15 minutes later. This method gives luster to the skin, reduces the body heat, and fills the pores in the skin lubricating and nourishing the hairs. Besides these benefits, a person will gain more health as he will eat properly out of hunger resulting from such baths. Fasting days are exempted as the person tends to end seek food after the bath. The oil massage in the modern world is an adaptation of this oil bath only.
Worship the Sun. Surya Namaskara is the familiar Sanskrit term used for this tradition. Every morning after the bath, a person will say a prayer to the Sun with folded hands and by facing it. This worship praises and requests the Sun for its source of energy and light to the world. Actually, this practice not only rejuvenates our eye sight through the sunlight's effect but strengthens our bones by gathering Vitamin-D. This method is followed in other countries but called by different names as Aerobic exercise and Sun bath.
Smearing the Ash. Wearing the ash (Viboothi) made from the cow dung or sandal paste in the center of their foreheads after a bath or wash is the custom of many of the Hindus. This practice helps to mark the point of meditation and absorb the energy from the cosmos into our body. It is also believed that the third eye is in the forehead between the two eyebrows as a channel to link the humans spiritually to the Almighty. All these confirm that human being is actually God only. Moreover, this practice absorbs the excess water from the cavities of the skull, which means the risk of any infection or illness is prevented. Philosophically, the smearing of ash symbolically reminds a person that all human beings are bound to become that ash or soil one day, hence, get rid of the ego and superficiality.
Sit-ups. This is known as Thoppukaranam in Tamil. People do the sit-ups inside and near the temples with each hand holding the lower tips of opposite ears. It is done mostly in front of the shrines of God Ganesha. Actually, this helps to recharge the body through physical activity. Holding the ear lobes is an acupressure technique that activates both the hemispheres of the brain. Moreover, the alternation of squatting and standing positions during the sit-ups enhances the breathing and blood circulation which in turn reduces the risks of heart problems.
Circumambulation . After saying prayers to any deity, worshippers will do move or walk around the shrine, called as Pradakshinam, minimum one round, by chanting the mantras praising that deity. Angapradakshinam is the common word for this practice followed as a ritual in many Hindu temples. Devotees with wet clothes will prostrate on the ground and roll around the shrines as per their commitment to the god of their choice. These rituals also make the entire body exercise and relax while enabling mind power.
So, do not neglect the traditions and customs of the society. They have their own importance and relevance to the daily life. Why should we say' Hi or Hello' when meeting a person? This is a practice of extending courtesy and respect to others. Likewise, the traditions of the family and the society are meant for some purpose.
