We were awoken on our first morning
in Chinchoti by the sounds of the village: chickens, people, music, and even a
duck (baduck in Marathi)! During our morning group meeting in the main house, we played the Human
Knot. After that we left the main house to experience a pre-wedding ceremony
for a girl in the village. We all participated in a turmeric purification
ceremony where we rubbed turmeric and rice on the bride-to-be’s face, and she
had some fun putting it on our faces as well! We were generously welcomed at
the vibrant ceremony by the entire community, who had all been invited. Next,
Krishna took us on a tour of Chinchoti. We walked around the entire village and
paused at its main temple dedicated to the monkey god, Hanuman, to discuss our
observations so far in terms of customs. After the tour we all went back to our
homestays and had lunch with our families. The afternoon was filled with lots
of playing, friendship bracelet making, puzzling, and just talking with our
families and kids in the community.
Later in the day, we all gathered
to practice a traditional dance in a community member’s house. After several
tries and with the patience of our instructors, the dance began to take shape.
We hope to have perfected by our performance for the community on Tuesday! To
end the day, we all gathered in an open field surrounded by hills to write in
our journals and reflect on our busy day. It was nice to find a peaceful place
away from the bustling center of the village to allow us to meditate quietly.
When the sun set, we all walked back to our homestays for another delicious
meal. As we sit here and write, we are preparing to see another pre-wedding
custom: a dance ceremony. We are ecstatic and grateful for the opportunity to
experience first hand such an important part of Indian culture. Stay tuned!
Sophie and
Portia!! :)
Haley ('18) and Sophie ('18) after the turmeric pre-wedding ceremony.
Emily ('16) blending in with members of the village during the turmeric pre-wedding ceremony.
A selfie with the members of the Lincoln India 2016 Program.
The spire of the temple of Hanuman.
A groom-to-be in a pre-wedding precession through the streets of Chinchoti.
