The Return! (India, post pandemic...)

  The photo below is not of  the real Rahul, but could well have been.  Young thirty-something bearded man, very much part of the "modern" India, but paradoxically living out in the countryside near Auroville, in a very traditional and conservative village. I rented a room from him because there was absolutely NOTHING left in Auroville that I could afford. Rahul was actually giving up HIS own room--relocating himself to the living room of the new, fairly modern house--in order for me to have a place to live for my last week in the area. He charged me 5,000 rupees for the 6 nights I would be there, and I had full use of the kitchen. The house--rented by Rahul from the owner--was only a 10 minute bike ride outside of Auroville, in the peaceful countryside. When I visited to see it, it seemed ideal, and I jumped on it. Little did I know what was in store...  When I rent a place anywhere, I make the assumption--clearly erroneously!--that certain basics will be provided, ...

 And what a fabulous day it was!!! As mentioned in my blog about Pondicherry, I met the "African Swami" and Manakshi Giri at the International Yoga Festival that was happening in the city. They had such light and magnetism about them, I was immediately drawn into their sphere. It was Manakshi Giri-- AKA Maria--who first approached me, with a most beautiful smile, asking me if I needed any help. Her English--spoken with a Russian accent-- was clear and quite excellent. She wore the robes of a sannyasi--or monk--which intrigued me, since she was a western woman.  I was indeed a bit lost so I welcomed her offer of help and she procured a brochure for me about the festival. (which, as mentioned earlier, was a bust, except for making her and the swami's acquaintance.) Long story short, she soon introduced me to the African Swami, whom I also liked instantly. Like Manakshi Giri, his eyes were also very bright and quite beautiful. They were both so very warm, friendly and intere...

 One of the best parts about being in the state of Tamil Nadu--and the town of Auroville--in the month of January, is that it is the month of the Pongal festival in the south of India. Here is the description of this important Indian festival:  "It is  a celebration to thank the Sun, Mother Nature and the various farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest . Celebrated over four days, Pongal also marks the beginning of the Tamil month called Thai, which is considered an auspicious month. It usually falls on the 14th or 15th of January each year." This being said, it was clearly celebrated for MUCH longer than that in Chennai, Pondicherry and the villages around Auroville. How could I tell that the holiday began much sooner? Simply because the most noteworthy aspect of it--the creation of the beautiful, ever-new rangolis-- started early on in January. Actually, I even started seeing them as early as the end of December, while still in Chennai.   I...