The French came to India following the Portuguese and Dutch and preceded the British. It is in Pondicherry that they left their mark. The old city retains a French flair and just as much British infrastructure remains in other places the French mark has been firmly stamped on "Pondy".
We journeyed back to the coast having crossed the Southern Indian peninsula. On the way we went on a series of minor roads with a few stops along the way. This is one group who were heading in our direction. How many can you fit on one small truck?
Our first major stop was at Auroville, City of Dawn. This was developed from a concept by Yogi Sri Aurobindo. The concept sounds worthy with a city set out for 50,000 but owned by everyone. The practice is of concern with policies like a sect or cult. 2,000 have taken up residence. It also has a strong fundraising focus and a strong commercialisation emphasis.
The Mother Temple and Meditation Centre. This is as close as we were permitted! (Telephoto shot)
We also visited another centre a paper factory but here we were happy to make some purchases.
Later we visited The Sri Aurobindo Ashram and shrine. No photos permitted.
At a local temple we were happy to join the locals to receive a blessing from an elephant. Hope to post a video later.
One placed the offering in the trunk and received a pat on the head. Had a double blessing for an extra "Kodak" moment".
The city is most interesting and we walked around streets looking at the architecture and taking in the french influences.
The Governor's Palace.
Is that a French hat?
Across at the seaside we visited the Ghandi Memorial and interacted with locals.
A bright blue sky and sun so you get a profile of Ghandi.
Dressed for the beach.
Gail and Carol with a group of locals.
We walked the back streets with the interesting buildings and people. In the French period they lived on one side of the Canal and the Hindus and Muslims on the other.
We journeyed back to the coast having crossed the Southern Indian peninsula. On the way we went on a series of minor roads with a few stops along the way. This is one group who were heading in our direction. How many can you fit on one small truck?
Our first major stop was at Auroville, City of Dawn. This was developed from a concept by Yogi Sri Aurobindo. The concept sounds worthy with a city set out for 50,000 but owned by everyone. The practice is of concern with policies like a sect or cult. 2,000 have taken up residence. It also has a strong fundraising focus and a strong commercialisation emphasis.
The Mother Temple and Meditation Centre. This is as close as we were permitted! (Telephoto shot)
We also visited another centre a paper factory but here we were happy to make some purchases.
Later we visited The Sri Aurobindo Ashram and shrine. No photos permitted.
At a local temple we were happy to join the locals to receive a blessing from an elephant. Hope to post a video later.
One placed the offering in the trunk and received a pat on the head. Had a double blessing for an extra "Kodak" moment".
The city is most interesting and we walked around streets looking at the architecture and taking in the french influences.
The Governor's Palace.
Is that a French hat?
Across at the seaside we visited the Ghandi Memorial and interacted with locals.
A bright blue sky and sun so you get a profile of Ghandi.
Dressed for the beach.
Gail and Carol with a group of locals.
We walked the back streets with the interesting buildings and people. In the French period they lived on one side of the Canal and the Hindus and Muslims on the other.
Street scene.
We were impressed with this house.
The locals went on with daily life. Lady using rice flour to make auspicious designs.
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