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In India, spiritual cleansing involves a ceremony in which a lot of mantras are read, and prayers are chanted. Other times, religious ceremonies are held to mark a special occasion. Either way, in pujas, some foods which make a recurrent appearance are said to be divine offerings for God. These foods are picked due to the belief that they are considered suitable for the Almighty. Read on to know why! Here, we list 5 foods that have spiritual significance, and that is why the devotee chooses to offer them while praying.
1. COCONUT
Photo: Couleur
Offering a full coconut to gods is considered to be something of a sacred act. Giving coconut to gods is almost like bowing in submission, and removing all masks which we wear in the world.
2. BANANA
Banana is a sweet fruit, and like coconut, it is considered to be pure. Unpeeled banana, like a full coconut, has not been contaminated by any human contact. Henceforth, it is fit to be offered to the Almighty.
3. LADDOO
Laddoo is a special offering for Lord Ganesha. It is believed that he loved to eat laddoos. However, laddoos are also offered to many other Indian deities. Once the offering ceremony (bhog) is complete, the prasad is distributed among devotees.
4. HALWA PURI
Photo: Rakhi Lakhan
Halwa puri is made particularly on the occasion of Navratri because it is considered to be a favourite food of Goddess Durga. In the ceremony, little children, mainly girls, are invited into the devotee’s homes and offered halwa puri. It is believed that the children are the shadow of goddess Durga, and must be shown respect.
5. KHEER
Kheer, a rice pudding, is thought to be the symbol of purity; that is why it is one of the main offerings made to goddess Laxmi and other gods in the hope for peace, prosperity and good luck.
In a country with so many traditions, these 5 foods are offered religiously. Do you know of any other tradition that’s unique to your community? Which food do you offer?
