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,
             10
   19   20   21   22   23   24   25   26   27   28   29