1.09.2009
1.08.2009
Warning: Some graphic images below... Use discernment.
So, first off, sorry for the lack of posts the last couple of days... the internet was pretty quirky, but I think things have worked themselves out. So that is the reason for a double post today.
Ok, now to tell you a little about the images below. I only know what I saw and was told today. And I am not sure if this happens in many places, or if it is specific only to where we are. Today we met with some of our new friends. And it just so happens that today there was an Islamic mourning processional. And you can see it from our friends' balcony. The purpose of the annual parade is to mourn the loss of a prophet's grandson (and his family) that were martyred in a religious war. This is processional marks the end of a 10 day mourning. The parade itself can last 9 or 10 hours. There are several Muslims that I talked to who disagree with this processional, so please don't make assumptions of many based on the actions of a few. With that being said, here are the photos:
These are the men that are in mourning for the family that was "butchered" (martyred). They cut themselves and then take the long walk through the parade path. They will chant and beat their chests where they were cut. I was told that the pain they inflict on themselves is the way they show their mourning for this family.
However, this is not a common thing. The Muslim people here, do not cut themselves and march through the city in mourning. Normally they bury the person as quickly as possible and for 3 days the family will come and mourn. They will fast during this time also. Then after the 3 days, the mourning is over. And everyone returns to their home. This processional is specific only to the loss of this particular family.
This boy, next to me, sat with his father, confused yet fascinated by the the thousands of people below. Every time his father would put him down on the ground, he would cry and whine until he could see the people below, again.
This kind, wise, hilarious old man taught myself and my friends a lot about the parade as well as the Islamic beliefs and practices. Lets call him Mr. K.
The man in the green bandana with the strings of yellow flowers around his neck is in a trance and apparently he is not aware of himself or his surroundings. His friends and family help him through the processional. There are several of these men throughout the parade. I was told that sometimes these men must be tied up until the trance passes.
Ok, now to tell you a little about the images below. I only know what I saw and was told today. And I am not sure if this happens in many places, or if it is specific only to where we are. Today we met with some of our new friends. And it just so happens that today there was an Islamic mourning processional. And you can see it from our friends' balcony. The purpose of the annual parade is to mourn the loss of a prophet's grandson (and his family) that were martyred in a religious war. This is processional marks the end of a 10 day mourning. The parade itself can last 9 or 10 hours. There are several Muslims that I talked to who disagree with this processional, so please don't make assumptions of many based on the actions of a few. With that being said, here are the photos:
These are the men that are in mourning for the family that was "butchered" (martyred). They cut themselves and then take the long walk through the parade path. They will chant and beat their chests where they were cut. I was told that the pain they inflict on themselves is the way they show their mourning for this family.
However, this is not a common thing. The Muslim people here, do not cut themselves and march through the city in mourning. Normally they bury the person as quickly as possible and for 3 days the family will come and mourn. They will fast during this time also. Then after the 3 days, the mourning is over. And everyone returns to their home. This processional is specific only to the loss of this particular family.
This boy, next to me, sat with his father, confused yet fascinated by the the thousands of people below. Every time his father would put him down on the ground, he would cry and whine until he could see the people below, again.
This kind, wise, hilarious old man taught myself and my friends a lot about the parade as well as the Islamic beliefs and practices. Lets call him Mr. K.
The man in the green bandana with the strings of yellow flowers around his neck is in a trance and apparently he is not aware of himself or his surroundings. His friends and family help him through the processional. There are several of these men throughout the parade. I was told that sometimes these men must be tied up until the trance passes.
1.07.2009
1.03.2009
1.02.2009
1.01.2009
12.31.2008
Train to the Heart of India
Today we got up very early for our train ride... here some of the things we saw today.
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