Today is Sankranti, a celebration of the harvest and the return of the sun. Mysore felt festive today with extra big and beautiful rangoli (mandalas) on all the driveways and lots of people out and about.
I'm sure I didn't even see most of what went on because it happens between family and friends. I heard tell of the exchange of special plates of sesame seeds and nuts but didn't witness it.
What I did get to see was fabulous! In the early evening we took rickshaws out to a small village where people had decorated all the cows. Some had horns painted pink or gold or green. Some had metallic streamers or necklaces. The dark cows were speckled with polka dots and the light ones were stained yellow or pink. The people paraded the cows back and forth and then made them run over fire! I don't know the significance of all this, except that it's about rejoicing in abundance and sunlight.
I walked over towards the houses and many of the people were thrilled to have their photos taken. They were so friendly and soon I was invited to eat with them. Sadly, it was time to go. It made me wish to do a home stay with a family here which I may try to arrange at some point. I also wished I could give them copies of the photos! If there's a way I could get some printed I may try to go back and bring them. I've got more photos on my camera but so far no good place to upload them.
Yoga is good, life is good, I'm happy to be here.
I'm sure I didn't even see most of what went on because it happens between family and friends. I heard tell of the exchange of special plates of sesame seeds and nuts but didn't witness it.
What I did get to see was fabulous! In the early evening we took rickshaws out to a small village where people had decorated all the cows. Some had horns painted pink or gold or green. Some had metallic streamers or necklaces. The dark cows were speckled with polka dots and the light ones were stained yellow or pink. The people paraded the cows back and forth and then made them run over fire! I don't know the significance of all this, except that it's about rejoicing in abundance and sunlight.
I walked over towards the houses and many of the people were thrilled to have their photos taken. They were so friendly and soon I was invited to eat with them. Sadly, it was time to go. It made me wish to do a home stay with a family here which I may try to arrange at some point. I also wished I could give them copies of the photos! If there's a way I could get some printed I may try to go back and bring them. I've got more photos on my camera but so far no good place to upload them.
Yoga is good, life is good, I'm happy to be here.
Julia, your blog is awesome!!
ReplyDeleteThat means a lot coming from you!
DeleteI'm happy you're happy to be here. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen!
DeleteJulia it's been so much to read all this fabulous rich descriptions, I feel like I can visualize all this because you describe it so beautifully. I'm thinking about how you've been there two weeks...is there something you wish you could have there to share with other people? Things you miss? I can send you a care packet if you'd like :D What's the address if you want us to send mail and/or packets.
ReplyDeleteLove, Aunt Liz
Thanks Liz! Glad you're reading it. I sent an email your way. Love you
DeleteFantastic! Love, Mom
ReplyDelete