Rituals: Religious Objects

During her prayers, she uses several religious objects that are vital for the rituals. Besides the puja thali (prayer plate, figure 1), the ghanta plays an important role. According to the owner, the ringing of these bells before the rituals “welcomes the Gods”.

The owner has multiple ghantas. Besides a traditional one, she also has a ‘Christmas’-ghanta and a ‘Belgium’-ghanta (figure 2). In particular the latter object is fascinating, because this ghanta has been decorated by Manneken Pis, the famous landmark in the center of Brussels, Belgium. It is a prime example of the way religion is influenced by culture and, in this case, illustrates how Hindu objects come in all shapes and sizes.