Brass in Poojas, Festivities, and Daily Cooking: A Cultural Perspective

Brass has always held a cherished space in Indian homes. From the sanctity of the pooja room to the warmth of the kitchen and the grandeur of festive celebrations, this timeless metal has seamlessly blended functionality with spiritual significance. More than just a material, brass is a bridge between tradition and everyday life, carrying with it the wisdom of centuries.

Brass in Poojas: The Aura of Auspiciousness

In Indian spiritual traditions, brass is believed to possess satvik (pure) qualities, making it ideal for religious rituals. It is non-corrosive, conducts energy well, and is thought to retain spiritual vibrations, which is why it finds a central place in pooja samagri. 

• Brass Lamps (Deepams) symbolize the dispellng of darkness and ignorance.
• Kalashas made of brass are placed at the entrance or used in rituals as a symbol of  abundance.
• Pooja Thalis, bells, and diyas made of brass are found in almost every traditional household, especially during festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and Varalakshmi Vratam.

Overtime, the gentle patina that brass acquires only adds to its vintage charm, making every piece feel lived-in and sacred.    

Festivities and Celebrations: The Grace of Brass

During festivals, brass becomes a canvas for celebrations and devotion:

• In homes across India, brass urulis filled with flowers and water adorn entrances as a sign of welcome.
• Brass containers and serveware are used to distribute prasad or festive sweets, especially during Navratri, Diwali, Pongal and Ugadi..
• Decorative brass idols of deities are polished and worshipped during pujas.

Brass adds an unmistakable warmth and richness to festive décor, combining opulence with meaning.

Daily Cooking: The Utility and Beauty of Brass

Beyond the spiritual, brass has always had a functional role in Indian kitchens. Known for its excellent heat retention and even cooking, it was traditionally used to prepare a wide variety of dishes-from Kheer in a brass uruli to storing ghee, pickles, or buttermilk in brass containers.

Read our blog on Top 5 Must Have Brass Cookware.

Benefits of Brass in Cooking

• Naturally anti-microbial and easy to clean.
• Retains nutrition and flavour when lines with kalai (tin coating).
• Enhances aesthetic appeal of the kitchen and dining place.

However, it is important to remember that kalai is necessary for cooking in brass, as brass is reactive to acidic ingredients. With proper care and timely tinning, brass cookware can last generations.

Read our blog on Brassware Benefits, Care and Cooking Tips.

Brass at Home: A Design and Cultural Legacy

What makes brass truly special is its versatility in design. It can be turned, hammered, molded, and carved into beautiful forms-from minimalist modern planters to elaborate temple bells.

Every Region in India has given brass its own design identity:

• Maharashtra's Tambat Craftsmen create delicate hand-beaten textures.
• Tamil Nadu's Kumbakonam artisans sculpt intricate pooja pieces.
• North Indian karigars craft traditional cookware and storage jars.

These adaptations adaptations ensure that brass never goes out of style-it evolves, yet remains deeply rooted in our traditions.

Brass: A Metal That Connect Generations

In an age of  disposable products, brass stands for endurance, beauty, and meaning. It is not just a metal-it is an heirloom, a cultural storyteller that speaks of our rituals, our food, and our way of life.

At Zishta, we are proud to work with artisans across India to bring back authentic, handcrafted brassware-whether for your kitchen, your pooja room, or your festive table. Explore our collection of traditional brassware today.

Celebrate the timeless charm of brass-and make space for tradition in your modern home.