Travel Jottings

Monday, August 3, 2009

Raksha Bandhan - My world Tuesday

This Wednesday is the festival of Raksha Bandhan that celebrates a sister's love and affection for her brother. Symbolically, the sister ties a 'Rakhi' on her brother's wrist. The Rakhi is "a sacred thread of protection embellished with the love and affection of a sister for her brother". In return, the brother avows lifelong protection for his beloved sister. The festival celebrates the glory of not only sibling affection, but also all kinds of platonic relationships, and the festival's social message is harmonious coexistence with one and all.
Feast your eyes on these glimpses of millions of wrist bands...

Of late the festival is 'used' to celebrate other relationships as well, and you can guess that the 'friendship' bands are very popular.

This one is a handmade band made by my son's playmate for him.

I showed you a glimpse of my wonderful India with its myriad festivals, where each day is a celebration, Visit other wonderful worlds.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Identify this organic item

Born and bred in the city, and guilty of contributing to a city's woes, I always look forward to visiting rural areas and villages. In this year's summer sojourn to Kerala in South India, a walk through riverside overgrowth revealed some 'secrets'. Ha! (it's open knowledge for natives, but to me it was new).
I invite you to tickle your grey cells and identify what's pictured above. There's a hint (of sorts) in the picture below.

Answers on Thursday (23 July)

Proud of my world, just as others are

Update on 23 July
Most had identified right, at least by name. That intricately networked fibre is the xylem of the ridged gourd. (the sponge-like brush made from mesh-like fabric that comes with shower-gels is also called luffa / loofah though). Here is a picture showing half-dried gourds the soon-to-be organic luffas.

pic courtesy

Thursday, July 9, 2009

This kid needed company!

... and we were vacation strollers passing by, with ears perfectly tuned to nature-in-rustic-surrounds. So we easily heard him call out. He is no different from a pup or a playful kitten - no wonder he's a kid too! Mummy-goat was munching away in the vicinity, and it would be a while before they went home.