Page 24 - Sugam Sarita
P. 24
Source: India Today
The Sabarmati Riverfront Development project in Ahmedabad is
one of the most important initiatives. These changes have aided the
region’s socioeconomic climate improvement and eventual urban
development.
Water is associated with every social facet of life in Indian culture.
After the puja rites of devotion, divine water is drunk in the temple.
Idols of worship are also sprinkled with water (abhishekam). The
plantain leaf which is used for food is washed with holy water and
in many religions prayer is performed with water in hands. The
significance of water in Indian culture is further highlighted through
several additional rites. The Holy River Ganges is described in
mythology as the spring that flows over the Himalayan landscape,
first reaching Haridwar and subsequently Benares. It is associated
with Lord Shiva. Since the Holy River Ganges is the Hindu symbol
for soul purification and mental renewal, people from all over India
gather to take a dip in it to wash away their sins. Other rivers with rich
agriculture and plantations on their sides, such as the Brahamaputra,
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