Ours is a small town in south India which is a famous pilgrim center. Number of People visiting was in large numbers everyday. So obviously the guests coming to our house is also often , unexpected and frequent visits.
In Tamil Language there is a term "VIRUNDHOMBAL" which emphasizes the perfect rendering of the hospitality to the guest. It resonates the meaning of Sanskrit phrase "ATHITHI DHEVO BHAVA." Our family adhered to these words religiously.
Hospitality is the act of kindness in welcoming and looking after the basic needs of the guests mainly in relation to food, drink and accommodation. The host has to cater to the needs of the guest and make his stay comfortable with good food, good sleep and shelter.
From welcoming the guests with a smile and greetings, to giving them send off all the responsibility lies in the shoulders of the host.
Our family is most always the host, as they rarely travelled in those days. All the members of the family did their bit to make the guest feel comfortable and happy. They also suggest best times to visit temples and other places of interest near by so as the guest takes home memorable experiences of the trip.
Our family strived hard to be the best in serving the guest with tasty food at the right time with a prior check about their likes and dislikes, their routines and requirements. They always felt happy to feed at least one person every day other than the family member.
Respecting others, speaking kind words, sharing their home and practicing togetherness are the qualities with which our family is talked about. We are trying our best to in the path of our ancestors.
(This Blogpost is a part of Blogchatter's campaign #TheKindnessGene)
Let kindness come to us from every side.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
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