The Self Decapitating Goddess

Chinnamasta: The goddess who cuts off her own head to feed her devotees. Wow! These paintings are really cool! Let me see, we've got blood, sex, and religion! What more could you want?

One Scary Diety

The Goddess Kali - it's probably not a good idea to piss her off!

Unconquerable Janjeera Fortress

Janjeera fort is built in a pretty interesting setting, on an island out in the Arabian sea, 2 kms from the nearest coast. It is situated 165 kms and more importantly 6 bumpy hours south of Mumbai. The fortress, popularly known as the "unconquerable", withstood the efforts of Sivaji, Sambhaji, Portuguese and the British to conquer it. It was functional up until 1972 when the final 70 odd families relocated to the mainland handing over the fort to the Indian government. It was surprising to know that the fort was actually built and used by Abyssinian merchants who ruled over 3 villages and 3 taluks on the mainland. The fact clearly proves that apart from primates and martians, every other sect of bipeds had control over some part of India sometime in her chequered history. For the trivia buffs, the fort is built on 22 acres of land over 22 years and houses 22 strong watchtowers carrying some of the strongest cannons of its times. The strength of these weapons can be realised from looking at the nearby ruined fort of Samabaji, ruined mainly by the cannons of Janjeera.

High Tech ?

This is India. It's where you call when you have a technical problem with your computer!

Marriage Mandalas

To the people of Madhubani, marriage is an important ritual. Special motifs are painted on the wall in the kohbar ghar (the place where the nuptial night is arranged). These kohbar paintings often have a lotus motif pierced by a bamboo shaft representing sexual union of the bride and the bridegroom. Parrots, which represent the lovers, are often painted around the rim of the central lotus mandala. On either side of this central motif are the faces of the bride and the bridegroom. The auspicious kalas, fish and turtle, symbolic of fertility are also painted around the outside of the mandala, as are symbols of prosperity and longevity such as the elephant, tree of life, and bamboo. The lower half of the painting is usually narrative in nature, showing the couple performing various religious ceremonies. Here, too, are painted images of the bridegroom in a palanquin followed by another one carrying the bride to his home.

Indian waiters on a train

Now that's what I call service!

Welcome to India!

The sign reads: Warning - do not accept any eatable (banana, apple, tea, coffee, cold drink, biscuit, etc.) from any stranger. It may contain poison and you may loose your money, your camera, or valuables. We want you safe. Ok, so... what about your life? And another thing ... you just arrived in India and you don't know anyone... so everyone is a stranger, right? So now what?

Upside Down Meditation

Ok, so I'm not sure how this is supposed to bring enlightenment... but you gotta give the guy credit for trying so hard!

Looking for inexpensive dental care?

Dental care is an unaffordable luxury for many people around the world. In India, free dental care is available at public hospitals. But the waiting lists are very long. There is another option for those who need a tooth pulled or a denture fitted quickly and cheaply. Street side dental hygienists serve the local Indian community with good quality dental work at a low low price.

Only in India