Decorating the main door of the houses, temples or any other place, where some ritual is performed, with a Toranam. It is part of the Indian culture. Normally, this kind of decoration is done during festivals or celebrations.
Cultural Importance:
Indians use a Toranam made of fresh and green mango leaves. However, leaves of other species like Neem are also used for this purpose. Most of us know that the green leaves absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This helps in keeping the surrounding atmosphere clean and hygienic. Keeping, the aesthetics in view, mango leaves are preferred, since their shape adds to the ambience. The general reason given for this act is that tying mango and neem leaves would not allow the evil powers to enter the house.
Scientific Reason:
Photosynthesis is a process where in plants take in carbon-di-oxide and give out oxygen. This process helps in circulation of oxygen and in turn keeps the room temperature at an optimum level.The air filled with carbon dioxide, which is lighter than the pure air, gets purified immediately while passing through the Toranam. In addition, insects get attracted to the green leaves. This stops the insects from entering the room.
In the Indian villages, dry mango leaves are used for treating certain ailments. The ash of dry mango leaves is used in the first aid for cuts and fresh wounds. This ash is applied directly on the wound or after mixing it with coconut oil.
Dry mango leaves’ ash has the capacity to check the bleeding. The dry leaves in the Toranam come handy for providing first aid in such cases.
It is also a scientifically established fact that the green colour keeps a person mentally fresh and even the modern day medicine advises the modern day man, who comes under severe stress during his normal working hours, to spend some time amidst greenery to freshen his mind and soul.
- Sri Eswaran
