Lota (vessel)
Lota (Urdu: لوٹا, Hindi: लोटा) a small, usually spherical water vessel of brass or copper or plastic used in parts of South Asia.[1] The name is from Urdu and Hindi.
A lota is commonly used to store or transfer small amounts of liquids like milk or water, but also particularly for cleaning and ritual purification.
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[edit] Cleansing
In the Indian subcontinent, the lota is employed to cleanse oneself after defecation.[2] In parts of Bangladesh the term "bodna" (or "badna") describes spouted (teapot-like) lota vessels specifically limited to toilet use. People of the desi diaspora may use watering cans, empty bottles or cups for this purpose, but still refer to these as lota. Muslims often refer to the cleansing process as istinga.
In Islam the wudu and ghusl ritual purification, require water, for which a lota is commonly used.
[edit] Offerings
It is also used in religious activities, like Hindu puja,When used for Hindu worship, it is often decorated with sindoor and/or turmeric powder, kalaawa.
A neti lota, a specially designed pot for nasal irrigation, is also used in the practice of Hatha Yoga, aiding in the practice of Pranayama, Asana and meditation.[citation needed] Its use to clear the sinuses is believed to prevent respiratory disease, reduce post-nasal drip, and normalize the pressure of the inner ear.[3]
[edit] Design example
American designer Charles Eames in his The India Report expressed a great admiration for the lota, saying about its design:
- "Of all the objects we have seen and admired during our visit to India, the Lota, that simple vessel of everyday use, stands out as perhaps the greatest, the most beautiful."[4][5][6]
[edit] Related concepts
The term "lota" or the phrase "bependi ka lota" (literally a "lota without a base") is colloquially used in a derogatory manner to refer to a person who frequently switches loyalties. This is because a spherical lota without a base tends to roll over in unpredictable directions when kept on uneven ground. The neologism "lotacracy" was coined in Pakistan to describe politicians who frequently switched parties.[7]
[edit] References
- ^ "Definition of Lota". Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary. http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/lota. Retrieved 2007-03-22.
- ^ Donald Albrecht (2009). "The Work of Charles and Ray Eames: a Legacy of Invention". Harry N. Abrams. http://books.google.com/books?id=TDxDM2gSSFcC&q=lota+indian+american&dq=lota+indian+american&hl=en&ei=UwdlTtGgNsrYgAf7_dSsCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CEAQ6AEwBA. Retrieved 05 September 2011. "India and Pakistan have a water culture, so that no visit to the bathroom is possible without a lota (small jug or cup) of water to cleanse with after defecation."
- ^ "Yoga in Daily Life". Yoga in Daily Life. http://www.yogaindailylife.org.au/news/yoganews/archive/7_02/page5.htm. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
- ^ Demetrios, Eames (February 9, 2002). "An Eames Primer". Universe Publishing. http://www.well.com/conf/inkwell.vue/topics/147/Eames-Demetrios-An-Eames-Primer-page01.html#post13. Retrieved 2007-03-22.
- ^ "Eames' India Report". National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, India. http://www.nid.edu/aboutus_eamesreport.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-22.
- ^ "Charles & Ray Eames India Report, April 1958", Design Observer
- ^ Gauhar, Humayun (24 January 2011). "Blasphemy…or a convenience?". Saudi Gazette (Okaz Organization for Press and Publication). http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2011012492056. Retrieved 24 January 2011.
[edit] External links
- Bodna Nai Music video depicting the extinction of the Lota from Urban Bangladesh
- The Lota Blog A comedic blog about the use and application of the lota in modern times
