In many of the villages we visited during our travels in Tamil Nadu, we were greeted by three women. One held a bowl of water containing flowers and other things; the others held small trays with spices.
The ritual of welcome and blessing then took place for each of us. Firstly there was the mangala aarathi: the women made a circular action with the bowel containing water, flowers, mixed with turmeric, a spice that kills any germs, and other herbs that are antisceptic and antibiotic. The circular action meant you, as the receiver, were being enveloped by the blessing.
This ritual also means that you are most welcome into "our community" - you become part of us; you are one with us.
The next part of the ritual was the Anointing on the forehead with orange sandal powder: this keeps you cool.
Finally, your forehead is anointed with a red powder - kunkumum - a sign of joy, a sign that something good is happening in this place to-day.
There usually follows a Ritual of Honouring the Guest. A ponnadai is placed around your shoulders, enveloping you. This word means a golden dress. It's a way of welcoming and honouring a guest.
I found these rituals very interesting. They also felt very spiritual. I kind of think that we in the western world have lost sight of the importance of rituals like this that are carried out with great respect and dignity.
