A few days ago in Rishikesh was Shivaratri, a celebration of Shiva, god of destruction, dance, and transformation. The sacred Ganges river is said to flow from Shiva's hair so naturally many rituals took place at the water's edge. I spent the day wading in the river, enjoying the temples all decked out in marigolds, and cooking a meal with friends. At night I got to watch aarti, a ceremony that involves sending little leaf bowls filled with flowers and candles and prayers down the river. Uncapturable beauty!
Beautiful Julia! I am glad to see the words "with friends" ! Love, Mom
ReplyDeleteAmazing!
ReplyDeleteDear Ms. Julia
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! I am glad you are able to celebrate with friends there.How is the "climate" there. As in how are foreigners accepted? and do you hear about issues occurring in the country? love to you, Liz
Rishikesh is a well known tourist destination in India so foreigners are all over the place and I'd say they (I mean we) are pretty well accepted. There are lots of businesses catering specifically to westerners. I think in other parts of India it can be more difficult for foreigners. For example: few guest houses, nobody speaking english, no toilet paper anywhere, etc)
DeleteTo be honest I haven't really been keeping up with issues going on in this country or in the U.S. I suppose if I wanted I could try to find a newspaper in English (most are in Hindi) or read things online, but right now I prefer to just focus on what's happening around me.
Thanks for your questions! Love you