Despite a meeting last week that estimated that we would depart to Orissa today, I am still in Chennai. I began to realize last week that the chances of going out to the field today were slim, so when my sister Amanda told me that Harsha (the Chairman of Sewalanka Foundation, the development organization she works for. Check it out at: www.sewalanka.org) was coming this weekend I jumped at the chance to go to Pondicherry with him. He was coming especially to do a puja for Amanda and Sri Lanka at large, both of which have had poor luck of late. It took many hours on Saturday to reach the temple in Thirunallur (3 hours past Pondicherry), where people go to worship Saturn. Saturn is a cantankerous old god and from what I have gathered you worship him when you want to ward off evilness (Amanda are you feeling better?). Once there Harsha bathed and we all went to the temple. I am slowly learning more about Hinduism and I felt lucky to have been there with 2 spiritual men who could answer my questions.
The pictures are of women near the bathing pool, Harsha bathing before going to the temple, lights in the temple, and Dr. Balakrishnan next to shops beside the bathing pool.
Sunday involved more driving, a temple and an ashram. It was a long 36 hours with 14 hours of driving but it was nice to chat with Harsha and to meet Dr. Balakrishnan (who is a friend of Harsha’s and traveled with us). On Monday, they picked me up for lunch and after wards we drank mango juice at the infamous Fountain Plaza fruit stand below my office.
My work plans for this coming week are still sketchy. I am not sure when we will leave and I am wishing I could begin the many things we have discussed. Aparna, Jyoti and I had hoped to speak to Rema (who is currently in Ghana) but it did not happen. Now I am hoping that we will talk tomorrow. I am antsy to go to Orissa and am doing my best to temper my western expectations regarding schedules and time.
JK - Glad you are getting time to visit other cultural sites as you wait to travel to Orissa. I would love to know how the people you are meeting view the traditional Indian culture and traditions (esp. artistic, of course :) ) in light of the many modern cultural changes that have happened in the last 50 some years. And, I hope you have a chance to experience hand spinning and weaving there... !
Meanwhile, I'm trying to keep all of your favorite NYC fruit vendors in business until you return... A.
Posted by: Annie | June 30, 2007 at 10:41 PM
So good to Skype today...glad you are finally on your way.
luv
mom
Posted by: Rebecca | July 01, 2007 at 06:14 PM