Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Teej - Girls Night Out

It is that time of year again already. The women of Kathmandu took to the streets yesterday in their best (usually) red saris and jewelery to celebrate Teej. During Teej women fast and pray to Shiva for prosperity and long life for their husbands. Single gals pray for their Prince Charming as well. It was a hot day and most women held umbrellas over their heads for shade. The lines at the most important Shiva temple were thousands deep - women waiting to go do their puja (worship) before moving on to dance and sing with friends. It is a total spectacle. The Color!

These are "pote" - the long beaded necklaces worn by married women.

This man was swimming against the Red Tide. I loved how typical this scene was to me of a major thoroughfare in Kathmandu with billboards in the background etc.

Nice jewelery! This piece as well as the Mangal Sutra are both worn by married women. Not fair that the single women have to be unadorned but that is the way it is.

Aren't the saris gorgeous?

The men were the street hawkers that day selling balloons, fruit, fabric and anything else they thought all these ladies might buy.

This is me just dressing the part. (Don't I wish - I was in classic frumpy mommy attire - it was really pathetic actually. I just have to get my mojo back. Another topic, another time.)

Mahendi painting - similar to henna.

Just a little embarrassed to be having her picture taken.

Oh. my. goodness. She is just amazing.

Jingle jangle, buy a bangle?

Oh this gal on the right is so tired. And hot. And hungry.

Happy Teej folks.

18 comments:

Danyele Easterhaus said...

i love this post. i feel like i've been to india!! the colors are everywhere and i love how vibrant it makes the landscape...the older woman is inspiring. wow!

and the guys in the sea of red, i'm sure he was happy!

Unknown said...

As always...I LOVE your pictures. This is such a great way to document your time abroad....

BEAUTIFUL!

Rhea said...

What gorgeous attire and accessories! I love it! I love the mahendi too. The red sari's are beautiful. Thank you for sharing Teej day with us. Very cool.

Ash said...

The colors - just glorious!! So glad my little one is feeling better so that I can really meander through your blog (with less guilt in tow). Found you through SITS the other day, but finally making it back.

You're going on my "must visit" list for sure.

Thanks for sharing those incredible shots!

EM

Simple Answer said...

These pictures are terrif! Do you ask before you take a picture of a person?

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

I love all your pictures. It is so gorgeous there. That sea of red saris is just beautiful. Did you dress the part as well? I know you said you were in your mom uniform - but what do they think of you out and about taking their pictures?

EmBee said...

I just want to say again, how much I love the opportunity to learn about another culture.

The pictures are wonderful, thanks for taking me along for the ride.
:-)

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

Amazing...the photos are so clear and colorful. Thanks so much for sharing them and a bit about the culture. AMAZING!

AdriansCrazyLife said...

I love all these fascinating traditions. Beautiful pictures too. Very colorful.

Heather said...

The people are SO beautiful!! I think we need to do something like this in the states. The colors are amazing.

Cristin said...

Gorgeous!! I've always felt very plain looking in comparison to Eastern women...
Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Bramblemoon Farm said...

Beautiful colors! The women are all so pretty, and I agree the older one is awesome; so much character in her face:) Thanks for sharing your day with us!

Bar-b said...

you can't imagine how happy I have been since finding your blog through sits. Your pictures are superb. The colors, the expressions, the beauty. Please keep snapping away. Are you able to wear the necklaces too?

Here's to getting your mojo back (seems like we could all post about this huh?)

Jennifer said...

LOVE the colors!!!

How is the PUPPY? Khaki jr?

Connie said...

Beautiful women. Breath taking really. I have a golden Shiva statue in my living room .... has worked for us so far!

Heidi said...

Ah, Laurel. I'm so glad you are back 'home.' The photos are gorgeous and take me away, if even for a few minutes. I love the way you *see* things. Life. Details. Thank you so much for sharing the views of your fascinating world.

Anonymous said...

Goosebumps looking at your photos. Love them. Thanks for sharing!

Crystal said...

Your photography is amazing!!!! I just stumbled upon your blog and have found your descriptions so much fun. Thanks for sharing~