Vardi, Uttaryan, Mhendii, Havan, Chhaka

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What a week I have had. I have trekked many kilometres over the Gujarat state as we made our way to the marriage in Vadodara (Baroda). Many experiences and much exhaustion I have acquired. Most recently I have been the victim of theft unknowingly. All my money and credit cards stolen without me knowing in a place that one would least likely find a thief in my thoughts anyway. But this is India and when you have hundreds and hundreds of people at a wedding who really knows who is who? It could have been when well dressed Indian ladies crowded me demanding photos with me, it could have been while having bag over shoulder walking and mingling through the reception? This has now brought my journey to a holt and my return to Australia as soon as possible.

My memorable moments of India will be the sightings of the Himalayas only a day or two away from my Northern Indian travels. Definitely the gatecrashing event of Chhakas at the marriage in Vadodara where pathetic excuses for Queens (nothing on our Kings Cross breed) swarming the marriage event making more noise that there already was, clapping their hands harassing for money and not leaving till they do. The funniest part was after I questioned all around me and ascertained that they weren't some kind of warped entertainment organised by either wedding party, that Indians actually believe that these gatecrashing pathetic excuses threatening to show their genitalia will actually bless the marriage and couple or curse them depending on how much money is given to them. I know that just one person I spoke to gave RS1000. There were hundreds at this marriage so imagine how much was gifted to these irreverent parasites? And to top it off the blessing was some mere tap on the head of the bride as an afterthought. This was so laughable. I was even eyeballed for money until, for those that know me my stare and curled up lip with stabbing eyes scared the shit out of them and they didn't come anywhere near me, considering I was the only white westerner at this marriage which brought so much attention to me in the first place, as was vindicated with the unbeknown theft of my wallet later on that evening. I proudly and confidently sprooked in discussion of the gatecrashers later that in Australia it wouldn't happen in the first place and if we had thuggery such as this our men would have kicked the shit out of them and then what was left the police would have dealt with.

I reflect back on one of my last blogs of India a couple of years ago and discuss the observation and experiences of contrast and contradiction that India is and displays. These people speak proudly, highly and very one eyed of their country and its progress. To me the rich get richer and the poor stay poor perpetually generation after generation (unless you are a slumdog and win 1CR!!!). Our standard of living, our privilege, our capacity to change, transition and transform who and what we are is directly and attributable to our ancestors who said enough was enough of conditions and life (such as Eureka Stockade). Our ancestors believed that race, religion and political affiliation were not obstacles for a better and opportunity life. I am so thankful to my parents and their ancestors for my birth in Australia. I am thankful that I am respected for my femininity, my ability to educate myself, to manage myself and my family and to have goals, short and long term. I know that this is not so for all of my Australian sisters and brothers. But I do know that nothing such as superstition, religion and political suffocation - all of those outside and environmental factors - are deadends and obstacles - just their own motivation and tenacity for themselves. I am so fortunate to be a part of a country that is not directed by antiquated and fundamentalist beliefs by overtly corrupt politicians. Individuals may challenge me on that personal comment, however, it is these people that I also attribute my thanks as activists for humanity and correctness.

So I shall close without further banta and start loading some great memorable moments.
Thanks and aavju
Tess
Namaste

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Comments

[ajay2001k]

hi there..ajay from baroda
hi there...i read ur blog with interest...sad to note the theft in baroda...i belong to that place...rt now in agra...but baroda n gujarat in all is possibly the safest place in india..and people r warm and friendly....i hope u have a fantastic trip in india..barring a few odd aberration...ajay

[Wings to fly]

Thanks Ajay Vadodara is vastly more interesting and liveable than any other place I have been to on the West. I love the architecture of the homes and they are so cool inside. Take care Tess Aavju