This week we had one day off work because it was the 143 birthday of Mahatama ( great soul) Ghandi. You are right he was assassinated in 1948 but as the Father of India he is pretty much venerated. Because he did not drink alcohol, as a sign of respect alcohol is not sold anywhere on the day either so I had a sweet lime juice rather than the beer I had planned on on my walk round the parks that day!
Then today- saturday there was a strike (bandh) between 6am and 6 pm. Expect loads more. Basically the farmers are furious that Karnataka is selling or releasinging some of its water to the neighbouring region of Tamil Nadu as it means that there isn't enough to irigate the land and supply the huge growing demand from Bangalore. This years monsoon didn't really happen so there is a massive water shortage anyway ( sound familiar!). The word on the street is that there will only be enough water to last until January. So people here tend to show solidarity to a striking group. so the shops were all closed and there was no public transport. on a selfich note the streets were emty round me and it meant I could have a wee walk during the day without checking my life insurance was up to date!
Wow do Indian folk know how to celebrate (or at least take time off work). There has just been a 2 week festival for Ganesh the elephant headed god ( remover of obstacles) with at least one day off work. Since i have been here I have seen loads of temporary street shrines ( mandals). Then at times a colourful plaster model of Ganesh is put in the back of an open lorry and paraded through the streets with a few guys ( always men , where are the women on any occassion?) playing briiliant drums and guys dancing away next to them having a great time. The drums are hypnotic. I followed a few processions and there has always been a few wee boys in the lorry gining out small bowls of rice to whoever asks.
This month however is another festival, Dasara where we get a week off work. Government schools get 25 days off. I am going to Mysore about 4 hours south of Bangalore as there is a world famous music and dance festival on for the week.
Then In November we have a few days off for Diwali ( Deepawali) the fstival of light celebrating Rama's triumphant return after exile.
Ok, enough this is sounding like a school project
The hardest thing about the strike today was that my cafe where I eat alone staring at folk and where a meal for 2 ( yes I have most of it, it would be rude not too, they only do one size of portion )costs £3 was CLOSED. Cheese sandwich did not compare!
