Q: I watched a VERY long Bollywood movie last night and there's a wedding in it followed by a few rituals for the bride when she enters her new home. She first puts her hand in some red (paint?) and makes an imprint on the side of the house and then pushes a pot with rice in it onto the floor with her foot. What is the significance of these rituals in the Hindu tradition? Thanks Peace xx
A: 1. The palm/ hand imprint signifies that she is now part of that house. It is her imprint. Red is an auspicious color. Brings love and good fortune. So all done in red. "Alta" is the red liquid color. A bride and married ladies paint their feet with it too. Sometimes the Palms as well. A tradition not followed by Modern India. I think it was more to cover blemishes of hand and feet; quite like henna. 2. As the 1st Ans said, Rice signifies prosperity in India. Rice is the staple diet of most of India. Earlier, most were farmers. And a harvest was very important to feed not only them, but the extended families. It signifies that she will bring into the house, with her, a lot of prosperity. Abundunce of prosperity will flow into the family. I hope it explains. Is so late . If not, add on an we will get back to you. Peace be with you all too.