Hey Everyone! The group is having a great time here in Varanasi! Today is one of the biggest festivals in the Hindu culture, Duwali (the festival of lights). We will all be celebrating by going on a boat ride on the Ganga. Right now, most of the houses are covered in lights and several Duwali enthusiasts are setting off firecrackers.
For the past few days, we have all been lucky enough to enjoy a multitude of internships. Ellen spends her days jewelery making and stone carving. Nate has been learning how to make Indian meals. Stephanie has been taking Bollywood dance classes and jewelery making. Kira has been taken Bollywood dance classes and painting. Alexa has also been Bollywood dancing as well as fire dancing! T has been spending time with her host family, volunteering at Mother Teresa’s Home for the Destitute, and taking part in Bollywood dance. John has been taking Ayurveda classes and has also volunteered at the Mother Teresa Home. Hayley has been taking stone carving lessons and has volunteered at an after school program for children. Everyone has also been taking Hindi lessons two hours each day from our amazing teacher, Pinku.
Varanasi has been very interesting so far. It is full of culture and many interesting traditions. Most of us have witnessed the burning ghats along the Ganga. This is where people who have deceased are burned in open view. It is a very holy tradition and the feeling of watching this happen is indescribable. The Ganga is considered to be the most holy (and one of the dirtiest…) rivers in India. A few members of the group were courageous enough to take a dip in them this morning! These brave individuals were Alexa, Kira, Nate, and John. They all said that their experience in the river was great and they all really enjoyed taking part in this tradition.
Well that’s all for now. We’ll be sure to keep you updated!
Hayley