Offerings to the Ganges at Hardiwar

My posts are a little out of order since I am never sure where I'll find an Internet cafe. I am no longer in Dharamsala, but in Rishikesh, were the Beatles once studied with their maharishi.  Last evening we went to Haridwar, one of India's most holy Hindu sites, and watched the 'puja' ceremony (offerings to the Ganges) and it was an experience not to be forgotten, and to think it goes on every evening.  Chanting, incense, colors, music....and the people. In the photo you see a leaf basket filled with flowers and a candle that someone has set afloat on the rapidly-flowing river. I cast in my marigold 'mala' that I had received bought at one of the temples we visited.

And Happy Birthday today to my friend Marianne!

Golden Temple in Amritsar

From Dharamsala our small group took a 5-hour bus ride (one way....) to Amritsar, holy city of the Sikhs.  Above is the Golden Temple, an absolutely splendid place as you can well imagine from the photograph.

India-Pakistran Border Ceremony

 From the title you might think that the India-Pakistan border might be a dangerous place, and perhaps sometimes it is.  However, every evening just before sunset, both countries' borders stage a super show when they close their borders.  Lots of strutting, horn blowing, cheering from the packed crowds, and overall just plain fun....why can't this happen in real life?    Here you see handsome two strutting Indian guards.

Last day in Dharamsala

A sneak shot....old woman seated with her mala, which are prayer beads.

Norbulingka Institute for the Preservation of Tibetan Culture

Just outside of Dharamsala is the Norbulingka Institute for the Preservation of Tibetan Culture, a haven for artists of all kinds. In 2011 I showed you this close-up of a Buddha's head.  Don't mind visiting this place again at all.

Tibetan momos

I love momos, which are made from a simple flour and water dough and are filled with a mixture of vegetables, meat, or local cheese, then steamed.  They're usually served with some kind of spicy sauce.  My friend is holding hers. I ate mine  before I took the photo....

Tibetan Monk in Dharamsala

I have to be respectful when photographing monks, who are almost always camera shy.  This monk was not so much a fast walker as I was a quick snapper, with a lower-than-should-have-been shutter speed.

Dharamsala

Here I am in Dharamsala, where I’ve visited on my last trip.  Dharamsala is a hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh, famed for its large Tibetan community and as the home of the Dalai Lama.  The town is divided into Lower and Upper parts, the latter of which is known more commonly as McLeod Ganj, named after David McLeod, the once the British Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab.  McLeon Gang has an altitude of around 1,750 meters.  We’ll be making some excursions from here, including a hike or two.

This photo shows the tent-like white crests of the Dalai Lama's palace and the many prayer flags you see all over.

Arrival in Delhi!!

A mudra is a symbolic or ritual gesture.  Some involve the whole body, but most of them are performed with hands and fingers.  These mudras welcome you at Delhi Airport!  India, here I come!

Off to India again....Round Three of....?

Today, along with my little travel companion Radovan (center) and a small group of other intrepid travelers, I leave for my third trip to India.  This time I'm traveling with Jungle Tribe and if you click on that link, you'll see where I'll be.  The link is in Serbian, but you can make out the cities.

India fascinates me and I wish I'd have gone sooner....making up for lost time. Perhaps I'll end up there like the retired people in the film Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.  Seen this film?  If not, have a look at the trailer here:

Theme Day--Cafe Chairs

All stacked up and waiting to be placed at tables....as soon as the weather warms up just a bit!

See other cafe chairs at City Daily Photo's Theme Day page.

AND TOMORROW I'M LEAVING FOR INDIA...WARMER, FOR SURE!!  (Perhaps you noticed from the banner?) 

I will be rather sporadic in my comments until I return at the end of the month.