Why do people eat with their hands in India and such peculiar food traditions

The history of Indian cooking dates back thousands of years. When you travel to this vibrant country, you often encounter unique traditions.

A multitude of cultures, languages, and geographical features have significantly influenced the overall concept of Indian food culture. Newsbytesapp attempted to understand the reasons behind the emergence of such cultural traditions and the differences with other nations.

Eating while sitting on the floor

In many families, it is still customary to sit on the floor while eating, and there are reasons for this practice. Studies show that this practice can have a positive impact on health.

Sitting on the floor, especially in the lotus position, requires the activation of more muscles than sitting in a chair. This helps strengthen the core muscles and improve posture.

Additionally, the repeated bending of the spine while eating on the floor can improve blood circulation and overall spinal health. Thus, sitting on the floor while eating not only preserves tradition but also offers health benefits.

Eating with your hands

According to Ayurveda, eating with your hands stimulates the five elements represented by the five fingers, improving digestion and blood circulation. This method also promotes the secretion of digestive juices, facilitating the digestive process.

Eating with our hands allows us to better perceive the taste, texture, and flavor of food as the nerve endings on our fingertips transmit signals to the stomach. Thus, this ancient method satisfies our physiological needs and enriches our eating experience.

Eating on a leaf

Serving food on lotus, jackfruit, and banana leaves is not only a traditional practice but also has health benefits. Hot dishes placed on such leaves allow nutrients and antioxidants from the leaves to penetrate the food, enriching its composition and making the dish even healthier.

Additionally, the aroma of the leaves enhances the flavor of the food, complementing the dining experience and making it not only pleasant but also memorable.

Finishing the food on the plate

According to Indian tradition, leaving food on the plate is considered disrespectful. It is recommended to take only enough and finish it. In addition, playing with the food on the plate is also frowned upon.

It should also be noted that in many parts of the country, it is considered improper to eat with the left hand. Observing etiquette when eating in India will help avoid misunderstandings and show respect for local traditions.

Eating thali dishes

Thali is a traditional Indian dish, which is a varied combination of different dishes served on one plate. It is an exquisite combination of different flavors presented in various small plates. A multitude of textures and flavors allow you to enjoy the diversity of Indian cuisine in one meal.