Temple Traders
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Finally we had arrived in Hampi,
The primary goal of our travels.
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Hampi is a city long deserted.
All that remains are the ancient stone temples and palaces: some remarkably intact; others in various degrees of dilapidation.
But the vast site provides excellent opportunities for those wishing to make money,
From both tourists and pilgrims.
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Family businesses
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And children’s market stalls:
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Young men
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And old men:
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All ply their trades
In an exotic world where religious piety and financial profit seem reluctant to part.
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Gorgeous colours and beautiful children. What are the red and yellow ‘piles’ that the children are selling?
May 20, 2011 at 3:07 pm
They are kumkum, for use in temples.
May 20, 2011 at 4:08 pm
Love the expression on that little girl’s face sitting behind the three piles of red kumkum! You have to wonder what she’s pondering.
May 20, 2011 at 11:15 pm
She has that guileless look children adopt when trying to puzzle something out…
May 21, 2011 at 6:44 am
Thank you for the explanation, I had not heard the word before which is odd since I read a fair amount of books on India.
May 22, 2011 at 12:27 am
There are many terms for kumkum, even in Kerala. Perhaps you are more familiar with the word “bindi”?
May 22, 2011 at 6:40 am
Yes, that is more familiar.
May 22, 2011 at 6:58 pm