14.3.2008

Mindi not done correctly

So much is happening and very fast! Two nights ago when we were in Udaipur (by the way if you ever viist Udaipur, stay at Dream Heaven. The manager Deep is so lovely and the whole place has great atmospher) I had mindi (heena) on my hand and foot at a shop nextdoor to our hotel. Not knowing the tradition I had one on my left leg and left hand/arm. Whislt the henna was still wet I walked to the Jain temple with Judith where the ceremonies continue long hours into the night. In the same circle of men and women, a few old ladies welcomed us to sit amongst them while they were chanting, clapping or simply sitting quietly. IThere was the sweetest 70-80yr old lady next to me, who got me to wave my arms, clap to the chants and smiled at me with a big grin all the time. Soon she noticed my heena and started to tell me things (which I translated as "you must have both hands including inside of your palm and both feet done"). Soon all the women in the row in front of me talking to each other, pointing at my mindi and telling me similar things also. I seem to attarct too much attention with my heena tatooes but anyhow it was fun. I havent managed to get both hands and feet done as we travelled all day yesterday but I now understand that more than fashion there is the culture/tradition to follow in certain cases. Especially if you are to be amongst the crowds of India with the locals.