Puja at Pundirji's

Gullar is on the way from Atali to Rishikesh. In Gullar you can turn right right before the bridge (if you're coming from Atali). Driving 10 km on that road will take you through an amazingly beautiful landscape with breathtaking views and land you up in the village Loel. Pritam Pundir - or Pundirji as we respectfully call him lives in Loel. Pundirji is head of housekeeping at Atali but he has been on leave for the past 10 days, because his family has been celebrating a religious festival. They've been fasting during daylight and had pujas (religious ceremony) every evening. The fast is over and hence, we were invited for a final puja at Pundirji's today.

Location, location, location.

The village isn't used to foreigners visiting. At my arrival, all the kids in the school, we parked right outside went nut. They were waving, cheering and yelling at me: "Angrez, Angrez", which originally meant Englishman specifically, but now means foreigner in general. The kids only spoke few words English including "you are beautiful". We met some elderly ladies on our way up to Casa Pundirji. I greated politely to all of them. They greated back and touched my arm - to feel how such a light skin as mine felt.

 Welcome to Pundir Hous

 The vedi (sort of an alter) where all the pujas have been held. I got blessed too, among others also by Pundirji, who wished for me to get a good husband soon (the guys here are very concerned about the combination of my age and my marital status).

 Pundirji's niece

Beautiful, proud, strong women of Loel.

 Family photo - of the closest family. They too, will get a print of all the pictures I took.

 The entire village and the surrounding as well were invited for lunch. This is the women eating. The food were served in buckets - this one with dal (lentils).

 Pundirji with his mother and one of her grandchildren.

 A mini puja.

I love the Indians use of colored clothes - a great inspiration for me.

Pundirji and me. Im bending my knees a bit so it looks as if he's taller than me (my choice, not his request). The grass behind my ears were part of the blessing - and apparently very important in order to obtain the luck with the previously mentioned husband. The two fingers behind my head has the same meaning as in the rest of the world...