Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Dussera

Last night was a Dussera festival. It involves adoration of Lakshmi and destruction of a demon, although I am sure it means a great deal more than that. But this is what we got from it.



^ Video of the chanting priest. I understood some words in Sanskrit, including "moksha", "satyam", and "maha lakshmi".

Below you see the ceremony, including the breaking of coconuts, some American kids watching the event, and the necessary explosion of a demon - who was placed atop a burning cross (caused me some small metaphysical angst, but it was not meant *that* way). Enjoy the snaps.....