Approach
Introduction: Customs and traditions.
THE BODY
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- In most cases customs and traditions do not impede reason but in some cases, traditions and customs are opposed to rationality.
Conclusion: It is true some customs and traditions go against the spirit of the age and rationality but at the same time there are many traditions which help to protect the ecology and environment.
In most cases customs and traditions do not impede reason like in India in most pilgrim centres worshippers are asked to give water to plants, it is part of the ritual and indirectly related to ecological protection. In some cases, no doubt traditions and customs are opposed to rationality.
1. In India customs and traditions are part of culture and they have been added to important rituals. The rituals and customs are very often helpful and promote cleanliness; before every festival there is a custom, houses must be cleaned. In north India at the tie of Diwali festival most devotees try to whitewash and colour their houses.
2. In some cases customs are not helpful from the scientific sense and hygiene. In some cases; people because of customs and traditions do not allow women to work live normally after menstruation. They are asked to sleep on the floor with very little sleeping space.
3. This is the age of science and everything is scientifically tested; there are microprocessors and super computers. In this age astrology has no rational basis and they should not be promoted. Scientism is not acceptable but everything must be rationally judged and evaluated.
4. Some of the festivals have so many indirect consequences that people can not think about it. The custom of Jallikattu have many drawbacks and is an example of cruelty to animals but this excitement releases the pent -up tension of people. In the same manner in north India the festival of Holi may seem to be very dirty and polluting but that helps in the release of tensions.
It is true some customs and traditions go against the spirit of the age and rationality but at the same time there are many traditions which help to protect the ecology and environment. They do not always cause obscurantism and backwardness. So, many of the customs and traditions are helpful in protecting the cultural distinctiveness and ecology.
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