Village Walk In Khejarla

India is a massively diverse country. In a nation of well over a billion people (a bit of a vague number but you get the gist) with a population density of some 300+ people to the square km'er - Australia is something like 14 - the population finds many ways to express and mantain their individuality.

I've enjoyed seeing how villages within a few kilometres of each other can still be very distinct yet unmistakebly Indian. They all have different ways of dressing, everying thing from hairstyles, head coverings and facial hair can have noticeable differences, in addition buildings, vehicles and demeanour distiniguish different places.

One of my favourite experiences during the first couple of weeks was where we visted a small village called Khejarla (as always corrections are welcome). There we were hosted at small fort by a gentlemen who was a prince, the son of the current living Raj for this area. The prince was an excellent and gratious host, one of those individuals that you sometimes meet and leave thinking about what a class act they are. It was clear walking around how much his people respected and loved him, likewise he treated young and old alike with courtesy, respect and warmth.

It took me the below pic from the fort to finally work out why parents tell their children not to throw rocks into the pool.














During the evening the prince took us for a walk through the village. Here, away from the tourist path we were able to enjoy the peacefullness of the Indian people and the warmth they offer to strangers without the previousley inevitable request for baksheesh (money for beggars) or persistent requests to buy goods. I have to date now been offered to buy 1,234,312 pashmina shawls.

This lady was just chilling in her compound, her daughters asked me inside to take this photo after I had taken one of them. Indians love digital cameras because they can see the captured moment instantly. The women make big smiles for the camera while the men stand serious and to attention. For the children the object of the game seems to be to take front posi at any costs and to squeeze as many into the frame as possible. Even though she was just sorting some grains, this lady was immaculately presented as most Indian women are, in her jewellery and colourful clothing.














The prince took us up to the village temple where the villagers, in addition to making their spirtual offerings were also playing, climbing and just plain old having a good time. This is a view of the figurine inside the temple.



















Although the Raj was the head of the village, the animals have their own thoughts about who really owned the place...