Daily Archives: July 6, 2009

Dhoti and the Meenakshi

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Flowery girl of south India


The south gate of the Meenakshi temple.

July 6: We arrived in Madhurai @ 11 am in that part adventurous, part torturous train journey and headed directly to the Meenakshi temple where I had visited during my last trip. This time more photographs, more angles.

And more Dhoti too. This time I bought the authentic Dhoti that replaced my trouser right in the shop in front of the southern gate of the temple. Last time, it became known after I reached Kathmandu, that the Dhoti that I had bought was not really a dhoti but only a part of it. Phew, there’s a small story behind that and I’ll tell that here some day. But today it’s the real, 4 meters long Dhoti with colorful strip. I am wearing this as I am seated in a Tamil Nadu govt bus that is climbing up to the Kodaikanal hills. As the Lonely Planet guide book says it feels good to wear Dhoti and have cool air blown from between your legs in this heat (which is, however, nothing compared to what it is in Delhi). Continue reading →

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To Madhurai, From Alleppey in a General Dibba

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Most of the pics were taken by, who else, Ishwari

July 5/6: Wow the real and full fledged feeling of the general dibba (compartment) in the Indian rail was experienced in this 11 hour partly adventurous, partly torturous journey. The train arrived at the dot but with all general dibbas filled to their capacity and far beyond. It was impossible to board the train from the last compartment (general dibbas are either at the front or the rear end of the train). Then we ran towards the front one. To make things worse, it was pouring and the general dibba was far from the shade. We reached the door only to see a massive crowd inside. No place to put a leg. It was a do or die situation. I jumped over a man’s leg and forced myself inside like a hammer. It worked. I paved a small but crucial way for my travel mates. Continue reading →