Life in South India

Life in India is vastly different from that in the west. The Indian culture is most ancient, and steeped in traditions that only lately have traveled to Europe and America. Many postings on this blog show aspects of life in India.

The ceremonial aspect of Indian life is one element where differences are great. Many ceremonies are shown. These show up in all aspects of life in India, so are elements of many of the posts.

In an attempt to organize these posts, I have set up four sections in this index page – Life  for Westerners in Tiruvannamalai, Touring India, Tamil Village Life, and Death in India. A number posts have been made in each. This index page makes it easy for you to find them.

Life for Westerners living in Tiruvannamalai

The day-to-day life of Westerners living in India is different in so many ways. We have posted many times on life in India for Westerners. Highlights of these postings are shown here.

Personal

Why move to Tiruvannamalai and Arunachala? – Part One
Why move to Tiruvannamalai and Arunachala? – Part Two
A New Thatched Roof
Pilgrimage to a Retreat AT SAT in Santa Cruz

Local

Gregory Lent – Art is Sadhana
NGOs work together to help Tiruvannamalai Villages
Cafe Om – New Global Cuisine Restaurant in Tiruvannamalai
Rickshaw Drivers Holiday
10/10/10 Arunachala Children’s Walk
Return of Leopards to Arunachala
Watching the Cricket World Cup Final at Hotel Ashreya in Tiruvannamalai
Train Service to Tiruvannamalai
Terrible Service at Arunai Anantha in Tiruvannamalai
Arunachala Animal Sanctuary & Rescue Shelter Does Great Work and Needs Help

 

Celebrations and Festivals

Happy Diwali – Deepāvali Vartukal from Tiruvannamalai and Arunachala
Ayuda Pooja in Tiruvannamalai – 8 October 2008
Ganesh Pooja for New House
Holiday Fair in Tiruvannamalai
Happy Pongal from Samuthiram Village  

Politics in India

Birthday Celebration for M.K. Stalin
Politics in Tiruvannamalai – Jaya visits Tiru
Free Color TVs in Tiruvannamalai – Tamil Nadu Politics in Action

 Tamil Village Life

Indian village life follows an ancient rhythm, and elements of daily life, long lost in the West, are still present in the villages. There are a number of posts on Indian village life (Tamil village life, those villages nearby where we live).

Tamil Coming of Age
South Indian Village Wedding
Family Feast in Gondapatai Village
South Indian Village Shradha
South Indian Funeral
Shrines Along the Way
Samuthiram Village Rain Prayer
Family Puja at Nadananthal Village, near Tiruvannamalai
Kadhani Vizha – Tamil Ear Piercing Ceremony  

Death in India

Death and dying are very different in India, and somehow closer. There are several posts that show death from the point of view of a villager, a westerner, and a (Western) holy man.

South Indian Funeral
South Indian Village Shradha
Sarasvati’s Mahasamadhi and Cremation
Taking Sarasvati’s Ashes to the River
Interment of A Ramana into Samadhi
A. Ramana Shradha
Special Puja for Dancing Swami of Arunachala
One-Year Ceremony after Sarasvati’s Mahasamadhi  

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Tags: life in india for westerners