EXPLORE JEWISH INDIA
  • Home
  • Virtual Events
  • Shop
  • Jewish India Tours
    • Explore India Tour
    • Discover India Tour
    • Traveler Day Tour
  • Recipes
    • ​Bhajee Vegetable Curry
    • Pilau (Rice)
    • Kishmish Badam (Raisins and Almonds)
    • Calcutta Vegetable Cutlets
    • Beetroot Leaves or Spinach Mahmoosa
    • Piaju (deep fried veggies)
    • Aloo Makala
    • Dal
    • Kooleecha
    • New Page
  • About
    • Reviews
    • Gallery
    • Contact
  • Blog

The Adventure Continues

EXPLORE JEWISH INDIA BLOG

Holy Cow! It's Mother's Day!

5/7/2019

 
Picture

Wandering Cows seem to be everywhere in India. Don't be cowed by their ubiquitous presence. They are, literally, Sacred Cows, symbolizing motherhood, and it’s a mitzvah to feed them!

The cow’s gentle nature, milk-giving, and practical importance in rural food production have raised its status to that of Mother, a symbol of caretaking, divine bounty, nature, and non-violence.  It is called Gaumata, mother cow, because it selflessly provides milk to all.

Most Hindus worship cows and shun the eating of beef. Slaughtering cows is illegal in India today.  Milk and dairy products are considered highly nutritious in Ayurveda, so most Hindus are vegetarian, but not vegan. Cow dung is not only used for fuel but also in rituals. Special festivals all over India honor cows: they are decorated and dressed in colorful finery, bells and garlands.

Lord Krishna, one of the most important Hindu gods, grew up as a cow herder and is often depicted playing his flute among cows and dancing milkmaids! Krishna also goes by the names Govinda and Gopala, which literally mean “friend and protector of cows.” Another primary god, Shiva, rides a sacred bull.

A dairy delight called Panchamritis is prepared for many rituals. This “sacred ambrosia” or “nectar of the gods” consists of five ingredients: milk, yogurt, ghee, honey and sugar that is supposed to infuse a person with divine energy and healing.

Here is a simple recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q59zNzLmfvI

Picture
Picture

Comments are closed.

    Author

    Rahel Musleah was born in Calcutta, India, the seventh generation of a Calcutta Jewish family that traces its roots to 17th-century Baghdad.

    Archives

    December 2022
    September 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    December 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

About us

Our unforgettable tours offer unparalleled experiences of India's diversity, vibrant beauty, and rich Jewish heritage, a remarkable mix of sacred and secular. ​
Picture

Contact us

We are here to answer your questions about exploring Jewish India. Rahel Musleah is available for virtual events and activities.
Contact us We'd love to chat.

Explore with us

Virtual Events
Itinerary
Shop
Registration
Testimonials
Blog
Locate the Zoom event link for virtual events
Copyright © 2021
  • Home
  • Virtual Events
  • Shop
  • Jewish India Tours
    • Explore India Tour
    • Discover India Tour
    • Traveler Day Tour
  • Recipes
    • ​Bhajee Vegetable Curry
    • Pilau (Rice)
    • Kishmish Badam (Raisins and Almonds)
    • Calcutta Vegetable Cutlets
    • Beetroot Leaves or Spinach Mahmoosa
    • Piaju (deep fried veggies)
    • Aloo Makala
    • Dal
    • Kooleecha
    • New Page
  • About
    • Reviews
    • Gallery
    • Contact
  • Blog