Marriage between castes is still uncommon, due to continued feelings about social pollution, especially in the rural parts of India. Sattvic or ascending meals, meant for those of higher castes equivalent to their stage of spiritual development. These consisted of fruits, vegetables, and grains, and they werev thought to promote transcendence associated with Brahmins. Furthermore, veneration for cows among Hindus does not mean no strict prohibition everywhere. Female cows are used for milk, and the males for veal exports, at least on occasion. As in the case in vegetarianism, there are exceptions. Meat is eaten in Rajasthan and fish in Maharashtra. Clothing follows a similar pattern. A dhoti kurta is an outfit that is often worn by married Hindu men. The dot is a religious symbol and is meant to signify the world beyond the physical.