India Just Keeps Giving
We woke up at a reasonable hour so we could visit the Kodi lake before we checked out. It was a pleasant walk and very quiet with hardly any traffic. We saw boats and bikes for rent too. On our return we ate idly with sauces for breakfast.
Members of the procession that were 'speared' or carring flaming pots would walk into the temple over the pit (dug up road) of burning hot coals! This seems pretty crazy to us and we don't understand how it is done but they all just walked across. Some even danced their way through the burning coals!
We checked out at 10am and headed off to find our next place to stay. This time we were heading up hill. Luckily, a friendly local gave us a lift. He even helped us find the location and called up the caretaker to check.
After dropping off our belongings we ventured outside to enjoy the view. There was load music coming from the Hindu temple below so we went to find out what was going on.
As we arrived we were quickly grabbed by friendly worshippers and escorted into the temple. We were given garlands and blessed. We were even given a welcome shawl by the temple. Next we were directed to the food. We were given huge plates of rice and curries plus little yellow sweets. The locals sat us down and waited on us! We met a whole family of about 10, grandma, brothers, daughters..
Soon we were off. A procession was leaving the temple and we were now part of the celebrations. It was a 10km walk in all. We walked over a part of the road that had been dug up and filled with huge logs. What could this be for? Most people were carrying blessings on their by heads. Approximately half way we stopped by at a 2nd temple. Here the excitement began... Not only because we had ice cream BUT ...
People gathered in the temple and gardens. Some people bought flower garlands, others sat on the grass however some went crazy! People were possessed by their God in a crazy trance. They threw their arms into the air, shook violently and their eyes either disappeared into the back of their heads or went super scary. They were protected by their helpers and calmed down after a short while. Once they were calm different sized spears were pushed through their cheeks. They were then given a clay bowl to carry filled with burning wood. Once all the worshippers were ready we all walked up the hill away from the temple. Here we were met by drummers and 4 dancing God, Kali, Parvati, Shiva and Murghal (possibly). They danced exotic dances for the worshippers and were soon joined by a wolf, a lion, cheetahs, tigers and ... Mickey Mouse!
We were encouraged to join in and it was fun dancing with the hyperactive locals. We met so many friendly people.
Eventually, a 10km walk took us back to the temple. It was really, really crowded. People were waiting for the grand finale. A decorated truck pulled in first. It had a man swinging from a huge pole hanging from metal hooks through his back!
Members of the procession that were 'speared' or carring flaming pots would walk into the temple over the pit (dug up road) of burning hot coals! This seems pretty crazy to us and we don't understand how it is done but they all just walked across. Some even danced their way through the burning coals!
Once everyone had arrived back, the festival appeared to come to an end. Everyone went home, well most did. 10 minutes later the music started so there was most likely a wild party. We were done so went home!