More from Uruvela

This is a Bodhi tree like the one that The Buddha became The Buddha under 

Friendly people in Uruvela village

Children playing in Uruvela

Uruvela Village

We were welcomed into a home in Uruvela village outside of Bodgaya

Children working

Woman carrying greens home from the field

Walking through the fields

We also visited a four generation family at their home.  They welcomed us with tea and biscuits and let us ask questions about their life.  It was after dark on a warm night and we sat out on blankets on their roof.

Famous Buddha

Our hotel had a copy of a famous statue of the Buddha that we had seen in a museum in Sarnath.  I had a bit of fun having a quiet moment.

Traveling

There are many trucks on the big roads and they are all decorated in some way.

We have traveled by air, elephant, jeep, rickshaw, bicycle, and lots of bus time.

Jacquard weaving

Tonight we visited a jacquard weaving shop run by the Mehta family.

Silk jacquard weaving on a special loom.  Most of the weaving is done on homes and weavers are paid by the piece.

Close up of the beautiful colors of the weaving.

Old style knot looms used before Indian independence  in 1947 because the jacquard machines were not British!

Samples of Weaving

Varanasi continued

Free food on a Varanasi street for those in need 

A temple to the god Shiva at Banares University in Varanasi

Mrs. Tuttle and a friend doing yoga at the temple 

Using a neem stick for a toothbrush, a common thing in Varanasi.

We were also sitting under a neem tree!

The Ganga ghats

The ghats, or stairs, leading down to the Ganges River are used for many things.

The ghats, or stairs, leading down to the Ganges River are used for many things.

Boys selling small flowers with a candle to float in the river as an offering.

People bathing in the holy waters of the Ganges River

Varanasi

We took a ride on the bicycles rickshaw that took us down to Ma Ganga, the Ganges River to see where Hindu people come to cremate the dead and send them off to heaven.  An incredible flow of sights, sounds, and rituals.

Celebrating Holi!

Today was Holi, the celebration of color to welcome spring. We were guests at a home in Udaipur  to celebrate.

Our group before celebrating. 

Children celebrating

A super soaker to help celebrate

After celebrating

Aren't we colorful?

There really are loose cows everywhere!  They wander on all roads, even the highway!  There are even feeding stations where people bring grass and grain because it is auspicious to take care of the cows!

Day 4: Jaipur

The Amber Fort

We rode elephants up to the fort.

The inner courtyard.

Beautiful painted interior.

Day 3: A packed day!

As you can tell, we were very busy today!

Shopping at the Jaipur Market

This vendor is selling colors to throw on Holi, the holiday welcoming Spring

We watched Indian rugs being made

An Indian musician serenading us at lunch

A Jaipur lunch, different for us but delicious! 

The Jantar Mantar observatory built in 1727! 

This sundial tells perfect time 

Visiting a Sikh temple and Gandhi Smriti

Today was a busy day!  We began by visiting a spectacular Sikh temple. People come from all over the world to drink and wash in the sacred waters.  The temple also feeds thousands of people each day.  The temple and the kitchens are run by volunteers.  The level of dedication and service was overwhelming.

Receiving holy water.

The Sikh temple.

 People being served food.

Cooking dal in the large kitchen where volunteers cook in amazingly large pots!

Mrs. Tuttle helping to cook nan.  My head is covered because the Sikh religion requires women to cover their heads out of respect.

The second place we visited was the Gandhi Smriti, the place Gandhi stayed for the months before he was assassinated. It was deeply moving to be physically standing on ground where Gandhi once taught.

These are footsteps leading up the path Gandhi took each day to the area where he spoke to his followers.  The covered area marks the spot where he was killed.  It was very powerful standing on the same ground as the powerful peace maker.

Gandhi's bedroom with his writing desk and portable spinning wheel.