The picture above depicts a presentation of drawings drawn during Navaratri by the artist Bhuvana. This collage contains a combination of many symbols that have stood with times indicating finer aspects of human development and faiths. I wish to take you all on a trip down these mascots.

Pictorial signs dates back to the Great Epics of India. Then the deity favouring the region or the rulers were depicted on the chariots. They believed this brought them good luck . The system of identifying oneself with an image on a launchpad took shape. Thus the political journey of the emblems began. Kings and Monarchies adopted the most sacred objects to convey their deep-rooted allegiance. The Sun, Moon, Animals and Arms found its place in it.

Culturally people developed their own picture posters to show their enthnicity. Stone carvings, Cave sculpting , Territorial markings and Tattoos were some of the ways people expressed their identity. Here flowers were included in the depictions. It extended further to the professions they followed. A small chip of whatever business they were engaged in, was hung outside so that everyone could easily locate them. A very thoughtful planning went into these living styles. This Legacy continued for thousands of years.

Religion also had and still has a good amount of symbols in India. Followers of Lord Shiva smear the Vibhuti ( sacred ash) on their foreheads with three fingers which represents the spear or trident of Mahadev. Vaishnav s apply the Namam a upward curve with a red line in the middle which represents the heavenly abode( the ethereal) Vaikuntha and the Lord in there. Jainism and Buddhism also have many symbols representative of many elements. There are many tribal communities having their own manifestations. Overall India has had deep connection with these figures of fortune/ faith.

What good these small images do to improve us or inspire us is the question ? They certainly have a good impact on the person upholding it. Over the years the symbols themselves have acquired a demigod status because of the following. Each conveying its meaning and wanting not to be abused has become powerful enough to correct the wrongs of the people. This may sound strange. But it is true. The underlying point is one needs to know well what symbol he / she is following. The nature of the object and it's significance should determine the behaviour of people.

A Final point/ note: do we need any symbol for a good living? Well , symbols have their place . Our effort can be to offer it a symbolic place and live peacefully.