Ttraditional practices would be more relevant if they are observed not only as a ritual..
just like preventing some evil deity from entering and welcoming a favourable goddess..
but keeping in mind the health and sanitational values too..
Every ritual prescribed in society and the shastras evolved by the social practices developed by constant usage appreciating their utility..
We can always afford to grow from mere ritualistic claims.. And rituals should be practiced keeping in mind such values more and not merely because one has seen his or her parents or grandparents do that
and also not merely because such practices are odd and could impress others all around because most others do not practice them..
We should always keep in mind the core utility and not the peripheral social impact..
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa cited an example for this..
People eat well and they are comfortable when they have soothing bowel motions too..
But eating is for nourishment and not for causing such output.