Purification by Bath

In a country where the temperature stays over 37· (100·F) most of the year, the daily bath is very important and quite easy. Hindus prefer going to the nearest river or pond. Being in the open you must bathe while wearing a cloth, and skilfully change to dry clothes in the process. If you are a girl you will quickly learn how Mother skilfully manages it with her long sari. During the bath too, your family will carry on its prayer, taking up handfuls of water and offering them to the Sun, as the source of life and nourishment, and to your ancestors for the welfare of their souls. If Father is a Brahmin, even more ritual will be expected of him at this time.