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ants were welcome to, so long as they did not disturb his meal. Most men in the group follow suit.

Having completed this ritual, while saying a soft prayer, the chief guest would then announce in a loud voice " Krishna Arpana". All food is first offered to God. Then, and then alone , would everyone start to eat. Even small children are taught this discipline of waiting before eating. The first dish to be sampled is the Payasam. Unlike the west, where dessert is served at the end of the meal, the sweet is sampled first. Once again , the servers jump into action. No small portions, now. Guests are encouraged to eat to their fill. Second servings are a must. The meal is always finished up with a serving of rice and yogurt.

Eating is a loud affair. Talking, joking and laughter is very much a part of the meal. Generally no one gets up when they are done. They all wait for each other and get up together.It is considered impolite for guests to remove their own leaf. This job is for the host family.The guests walk away to wash their hands, since they eat with their fingers. Eating rice, and lentil soup on a banana leaf, with one's fingers, and without the soup running all over the place is an art by itself.

The guests are then escorted to another area. Here they are served Beetel leaves, Chunna, a form of edible Calcium ,and a mixture of Areca nuts. This mixture ,spiked with sweet shredded coconut is quite delicious and aids digestion. Since most South Indian meals are spicy, the guests are offered cold water to drink.

Having completed such a meal, it is customary for the guests to relax, may be nap a bit and then served coffee before they leave. One never says Goodbye. There is no equivalent to the word goodbye. The host says " Come again " and the guest replies " I will come again ".

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