The first place on my list to visit in Ahmenabad had to be the riverside Gandhi (Sabarmati) Ashram with whom it is synonymous. Richard Attenborough's epic movie "Gandhi", made the Ashram seem quite familiar to this visitor: Just last week, the President of China was in India for the first time for decades
and his itinerary included the Gandhi Ashram. Gandhi based himself at the Ashram during the period 1917-1930. It's location, it is said, is midway between the city jail and the main cemetery --- he felt that he would end up in one or the other sooner or later! Luckily, I chose a quiet business day for my visit and was able to enjoy the artifacts and rooms in relative peace. Particularly poignant was his spinning wheel and pillow in position on the floor and against the wall, where he worked planning his strategies that eventually led to the achievement of Indian independence. Very clear was the Christ-like reverence that ordinary Indians hold Gandhi's memory. My auto rickshaw drivers both directions of the trip, tried to recount (in their very broken English), parables from Gandhi's life. Recent memories of having seen Richard
authenticity, on site. My visit was made most pleasant and worthwhile photographically, by a group of beautiful 10-15 year girls attired in colourful saris who performed graceful and delicate dance formation manoeuvres to traditional music.Totally worth the 50 cent admission fee!
It seems a tradition for me, that when I embark on my long journeys, I contract a rotten heavy chest cold & cough. In this case, perhaps I can put it down to the continual switching from icy cold air- conditioned hotel rooms and the very hot, humid weather outside.
My second port of call, and billed by Lonely Planet as a refuge from the bedlam of the streets, was Kankaria Lake...a large lake originally built in 1450, and recently 'dandified' to offer a wide concrete walk with dozens of food locations offering all kinds of temptations. Again, not to busy today (midweek). Of note were the young couples, obviously demurely enjoying time together, away from prying families, in a conservative society where male/female relationships are highly structured.
Noticed that there are a lot more holy cows wandering around Ahmedabad than there were in Mumbai---also, in the smaller city the cows are free to wander as they wish, unlike having to be tethered as in Mumbai. Observed several occasions complete traffic gridlock as several cows chose to stand motionless, effectively closing the street, despite being honked at by a thousand horns.
Much more to say about roads and driving a la India in up-coming posts.
 |
Gandhi's Ashram 1917-30. |
 |
| Musical interlude at the Ashram |
It seems a tradition for me, that when I embark on my long journeys, I contract a rotten heavy chest cold & cough. In this case, perhaps I can put it down to the continual switching from icy cold air- conditioned hotel rooms and the very hot, humid weather outside.
My second port of call, and billed by Lonely Planet as a refuge from the bedlam of the streets, was Kankaria Lake...a large lake originally built in 1450, and recently 'dandified' to offer a wide concrete walk with dozens of food locations offering all kinds of temptations. Again, not to busy today (midweek). Of note were the young couples, obviously demurely enjoying time together, away from prying families, in a conservative society where male/female relationships are highly structured.
Much more to say about roads and driving a la India in up-coming posts.
No comments:
Post a Comment