INDIA

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Tribal woman of Rajasthan

Tribal woman, Pushkar camel fair, India

For me, this photo brings memories of heat and splendid palaces, the romance of Kim and Kipling. There are many remarkable things about India, one of the most outstanding being the colour of women's clothing. It is an astonishing kaleidoscope see a group of Indian women in traditional dress. This is especially true in the desert lands of Rajasthan where the bland and colourless landscape is emphasised by the resplendent garments of its women.
These desert women wear finery with considerable style. Having not-very-much in monetary terms they make a statement which is paradoxically very direct and at the same time refreshingly charming.
Each year at Pushkar thousands of villagers come together in a great celebration of life. Ostensibly a 'camel fair', it is in part, marriage market, pilgrimage, agricultural show and, a lot of fun! The fair is exactly that, with side-shows, merry-go-rounds and circus tents that recall my New Zealand childhood. There is one performer that I have seen several times who is forever etched on my memory. Her name is Gulabu, the best dancer I have ever seen, dynamic poetry! But that's enough of Rajasthan for now, I'll write about her next month.

Next month: The essence of dance.
A snake-charmer from the Indian desert.

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revision 18 Mar 2001
http://www.greenkiwi.co.nz/footprints/photo/ph9807.htm