The ancient system of taking meals was based on hygiene.

The indian system of taking meals was sitting on the ground which is based on certain scientific reasons. The people sat crossed legged. The food was served on a plate made of leaves called "pattal" or a banana leaf. The person taking the food sat on a wooden plank. Before taking the meal the person took water in his hand and sprinkled it all around the served meal (Pattal). They then took out a small amount of food and kept it outside the water barrier. Then they drank little water with their hands.

Sitting cross legged : Sitting crossed legs digests the food better.

The pattal : The meal was taken in the leaves joined together to form a round shape known as ‘Patal’ or the meal was taken in the banana leaves kept on the ground.

Sprinkling water before taking meal : This was done to keep the crawling worms away from the food as the water forms a barrier for the crawling worms.

A small morsel : They took out a small morsel in their hand and kept the same out side the water barrier to keep the worms engaged outside.

Drinking water before meal : Small quantity of water was then taken by them in their hand to drink so as to wet their throat before eating the meal.

Wooden Plank : The diner sat on the wooden plank to prevent the static electricity thus produced from earthing.