HOW COW DUNG IS USED IN THE MONTH OF MARGAZHI

  

Cow dung has been integral to Vedic rituals and Ayurvedic practices for millennia. In Hinduism, the cow is considered a symbol of divine purity and motherly qualities. Cow dung is believed to possess purifying properties that cleanse the environment and the soul.

In several cultures, cow dung is traditionally used to coat floors and walls. In parts of Africa, floors of rural huts are smeared with cow dung: this is believed to improve interior hygiene and repel insects.

In many parts of the old world and in the past in mountain regions of Europe, caked and dried cow dung was used as fuel. In India, it is dried into cake-like shapes called up or kanda and used as a replacement for firewood for cooking in challah (a traditional kitchen stove).

 

In the month of Margazhi, cow dung is used in several ways, including:

Smeared at the threshold

A traditional welcome gesture is to smear fresh cow dung with turmeric at the threshold. 

Drawing kolams

Women draw colorful, intricate designs called kolams or rangolis on the ground in front of their homes before sunrise. The area where the kolams are drawn is sprinkled with water mixed with cow dung to sanctify it. 

Keeping Poosanipoo in a cone of cow dung

A pumpkin flower is placed in a cone of cow dung in the center of the drawn kolam in this month which makes the cow dung gain a special place in the month of Margazhi.

Burning cow dung cakes

Cow dung cakes are used for fire sacrifices and other ceremonial activities. They are dried in the sun for a few days and can be used for cooking or in the chulah, a traditional kitchen stove. 

Here the cone of cow dung is dried and used as fuel from the day of the Bhogi festival- the last day of Margazhi.

Spiritual cleansing

Cow dung is considered spiritually purifying and is used in Hindu rituals. The smoke from burning cow dung is said to clear the air of germs and create a pure and holy atmosphere. 

Thus cow dung gains importance in the month of Margazhi.