Cultural Day

Today we had yet another early morning.  This was because instead of painting the donated house in the heat of yesterday’s hot afternoon, all of us opted to get an early start and paint in the cool morning.  After a brief breakfast, we all were down at the house ready to lay down a primary coat comprised of a thin mixture of weak concrete and water (Indian primer) by 8:00 am.  After priming the house (or as much as we could reach) the girls headed back to the house to get henna, and the boys walked over to the cricket pitch to play with the local villagers.  Along with playing cricket, Mack was challenged to an Indian style arm wrestle. There was no proper surface to have the contest on, but that wasn't a problem because a more than eager village boy got on all fours and lent his back as an arm wrestling surface. While the boys played cricket, Ms. Lali gave the girls beautiful henna designs on their palms to prepare for the cultural program later in the evening. After playing cricket Nathan, Mack, Mark and Hunter were given Indian paint rollers (a metal rod with a paint roller taped to the end) to finish the hard to reach areas of the house.  With the primer fully applied to the interior and exterior of the house we enjoyed a delicious lunch and some homework time.  Then the girls began the long process of donning saris to prepare for the evening. This gave the boys plenty of time to rest after a long morning of cricket and painting. Several women from the sewing center volunteered to help the girls wrap saris, apply bindis, and do hair. Once we were all dressed, we went outside to take pictures and socialize with the local villagers who were already gathering for the event. The program consisted of traditional dances performed by the older girls, adorable dances performed by the younger children, and beautiful singing by the women employed at the sewing center. 

Of course we performed as well. As usual we sang “You Are my Sunshine”, “Call me Maybe”, and taught the Hokey Pokey.  We also incorporated a synchronized and rhythmic performance with the aid of metal cups.  We were originally scheduled to conclude the cultural program, but as usual India happened and the power went out, bumping us to perform third to wait for the power to kick back in.  With us no longer concluding the program the village boys had an interesting ensemble of dances that showed clear resemblances to fist pumping and disco moves.  As their dance was coming to a close, we all were invited to join the boys on the stage and dance.  This ended up turning into a fun mess of bodies. Mark Lindquist even proclaimed, “This is like a Riverdale dance!” 

When the dancing ended awards were handed out to the children who preformed, and all of us socialized with the adorable youngsters and kids of our age.  Once inside Daisy’s house we all enjoyed yet another meal prepared by Lal, and finished up working on homework.  It’s been another busy, but equally awesome day.

Love,

Nathan and Sophia

Anna got a little help with painting from local boy, Nikil

Lucy showing off her beautiful henna
(not pictured- her painted feet!)

The boys and their dhotis

Women from the sewing center posing with the girls in their saris

Anna showing some local boys the photo she took of them

Nathan and the boyz

There was a large turnout for the cultural day

The group preforming our cup routine 

The night ended with a bang- a huge dance party!