Category Archives: India

Hutheesing Temple – A Jain Derasar

Posted on August 14, 2013 by annetbell

Though Ahmedabad has more than 300 derasars ( Jain temples), this stands apart for its grandeur, craftsmanship, and elegance. Every surface of this large stone complex is covered by painstaking craftsmanship and details of elaborate sculptures of gods and goddesses, … Continue reading →

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A 15-Minute Concert

Posted on August 13, 2013 by annetbell

You can experience a music tradition that has been heard in Ahmedabad for nearly 600 years or the founding of the city. Past through the hustle and bustle of Manek Chowk, and just before The Kings’s Tomb, is an small … Continue reading →

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The Caste System

Posted on August 11, 2013 by annetbell

Today, I was going to post on death rituals or mummification and reincarnation but as I was doing research, I got interested in learning about caste systems in India and ancient Egypt.   I always feel  a tad tenuous speaking … Continue reading →

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Update on Uttarakhand, India & The Economist on the hazards of religious travel

Posted on August 10, 2013 by annetbell

Originally posted on Pilgrimage Portal:
I’ve been looking for updates on Uttarakhand in northern India, after the floods that claimed so many lives (11,000 missing, according to United Nations estimates, though that number may be revised).  The debate over urban…

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Word Press Family Awards

Posted on August 10, 2013 by annetbell

WordPress Family Award I was most honored to be nominated by two blogger friends within days  of each other for  this lovely WordPress Family Award. I decided to  thank them and nominate others all on one post.  First, I  heard from … Continue reading →

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Faith Systems

Posted on August 9, 2013 by annetbell

Beliefs have always been an important in understanding  cultures from ancient times until today. This morning, I want to try and tell you about the ancient religions in India and Egypt and compare and contrast their belief systems. Both Hinduism … Continue reading →

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Cairo Museum

Posted on August 7, 2013 by annetbell

\ As a  response to one of my blogger friends, I am going to tell some tales from other places I have visited  along the way. There are more stories about India, but I thought I would take you to … Continue reading →

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Train Travel

Posted on August 6, 2013 by annetbell

are a terrific experience. They run on time, unlike the ones in Italy, where I have traveled extensively as well as lived for 2 years.  Now, those who have seen the pictures of Indian trains completely covered with people will … Continue reading →

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The Sultan’s Langar

Posted on August 5, 2013 by annetbell

Sultan Ahmed Shah was a pious and generous ruler who founded Ahmedabad in 1411 as the capital city of Gujarat. He introduced the idea of a langar or community kitchen as he decreed that no on in his city should … Continue reading →

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Bathing in Incredible India

Posted on August 4, 2013 by annetbell

We all arrived in India with toilet paper as there were many stories we had heard of the “lack there of”.  The hostel gave us three rolls..one for each month?   So one of our first shopping trips was to … Continue reading →

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