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 Papad is a tasty Indian snack with different flavors and a variety of different brands. Ranging from sweet to spicy, this delicious treat can sometimes be irresistible! A common misconception in Indian cultures is the question whether you should or should not eat papad before leaving your house. According to a superstition, papad should NOT be eaten before leaving home, for simple reasons. Interestingly, there is a scientific reason behind not eating papad before you leave home. Papad is not very healthy and if you eat it in excess the dough of the papad will get stuck in your stomach. The bits of dough could get stuck into your intestinal lining and cause some unnecessary problems. This could be dealt with if enough water has been consumed, though, usually when you leave your house, there may not be fresh water to drink and therefore, when you eat papad it may get stuck in your stomach. Another reason is that papad can cause heartburn and uneasiness in the body. Due to the use of...

 Author: Anika Mandhania When you walk into any pooja or are just being welcomed, Tilak Lagana tho hota hi hai. It is one of our oldest traditions, but does anyone really know its deeper significance? Tilak serves as a spiritual sign, applied between the two eyebrows, at the Agnya Chakra, also known as the Third Eye. It is believed that tilak lagana awakens our spiritual consciousness and forms a connection with divine energies especially during prayer, rituals, and meditation. It is believed that the tilak creates a protective shield around the wearer and prevents negative energies from entering their aura. Tilaks can be a paste of vermillion, sandalwood, sacred ash, or turmeric. The shape and substance of the Tilak generally correspond to the God/Goddess that the tilak-wearer follows closely with their lineage. Here are some examples: - Shiva’s worshippers: tilak made of vibhuti/sacred ash in horizontal lines, as a tripura to remind them of the temporary nature of the material wo...

Written by:  Tvishaa Binani, age 11 In Hinduism, the bell or ghanta is considered an essential part of the worship of God. As part of sanskriti, whenever we enter a temple, we ring a bell. But why is this?  Why bells are rung in the temple: It diverts your attention toward God, making you more receptive, alert, and confident as well. They produce the OM sound, a sacred sound and sign of positivity, and facilitate in evading evil spirits. A bell rings for seven seconds, equal to the amount of Chakras, each of the centers of spiritual power in the human body, in our body. The vibrations from the sound produced from the bell can eliminate imbalances in the Chakras. The ringing of the bell can remove the presence of any evil or negative energy. The bells in temples and our home altars contain a mixture of different metals. Silver, gold, brass, iron, and copper are used. These 5 metals correspond to the Pancha Mahabhuta, which includes fire, water, sky, air, and Earth. Other metals...

Written by: Vanshika Bangad  As the festival of lights approaches, homes are filled with joy, anticipation, and celebrations. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a Hindu festival marking the day when Shri Ram, Sita, and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in the forest. One big tradition during this festival is lighting a lamp, often known as a diya. Diyas, small clay lamps filled with oil and ghee, hold profound symbolism in Diwali festivities. Beyond their beautiful, radiant glow, they present the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Lighting diyas invites blessings and prosperity into homes, removing negativity and ushering in positivity.  Diya jalana is a sacred tradition that fosters a sense of unity and connection. Families and communities gather together to light these lamps, sharing in the joy and symbolism of the moment. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness. Rows of diyas adoring homes durin...

Written by Saurish Binani Offering water to the sun, known as Surya Arag, is a significant ritual in Hinduism, particularly among Maheshwaris and other communities. This practice has deep spiritual and symbolic meanings rooted in ancient Hindu traditions. The Sun Holds immense significance in Hinduism as symbol of life, energy, and enlightenment. It is respected as a deity, Lord Surya, who is considered the source of light and warmth. Is essential for sustaining life on earth. By offering water to the sun, Hindus express gratitude and seek blessings for vitality, health, and prosperity. Purification  The act of offering water represents purification and devotion. Water is considered a sacred element in Hindu rituals, symbolizing purity, renewal, and cleansing of the mind, body, and soul. Offering water to the sun is a way of purifying oneself. New Beginning The Surya Arag is often performed during sunrise, symbolizing the beginning of a new day and the awakening of consci...

‭‭‭Written by‬‭ Aditi Bangad‬‭ , Student at Rutgers University‬ What is a Havan?‬ ‭A Havan, also known as “Homa” in Sanskrit, is a beautiful Hindu ritual where we offer ghee,‬ grains, and herbs to the Fire God, Agni. It’s a spiritual cleansing ceremony where the fire purifies‬ both us and our surroundings. This cleansing signifies the purification and transformation of‬ negative energy into positive energy.‬ ‭ What makes a Havan special?‬ ‭This ritual goes beyond tradition—it’s about physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The‬ smoke from the fire has antibacterial properties, cleansing our homes and bodies. Plus, chanting‬ mantras during the Havan brings mental clarity and reduces stress, leaving us feeling refreshed.‬ ‭The Science Behind Havans‬ ‭Ancient scholars designed Havan rituals to combat brain diseases like epilepsy. Havan‬ incorporates various evaporative oils that have specific benefits for epilepsy, likely through‬ different mechanisms. When these oils vaporize in the ...

Written by Radhe Bangad Abhishekam is an important Hindu ritual performed by pouring milk and water onto the statue of Lord Shiva. The milk symbolizes purity, while the water represents cleansing. Performing Abhishekam every day provides nourishment for the soul and cleansing of the mind. There are many benefits of pouring milk and water onto Shiva. By showing devotion, you will be blessed and protected by Lord Shiva and the Abhishekam will even help to fulfill all your wishes and desires. Just like how milk and water represent cleanliness and purity, performing this ritual brings good health to yourself and your loved ones. Anyone can perform this practice, whether you are a child or an adult. It is open to all who wish to express devotion and seek blessings from the divine. Through Abhishekam, devotees cultivate a deeper connection with Shiva, fostering spiritual growth and fulfillment in their lives. At the end of the day, pouring milk and water on Shiva is not just a tradition, but...