Onam

Yesterday was a Kerralite (Kerrala is a neighboring state) festival called Onam. It celebrates the God Shiva I think, but I forget all the details. We visited a close neighbors house to eat a big lunch out of banana leaves, sitting on the floor cross-legged with a man instructing us on how to eat it. The food was delicious, and  I think the man was pleased with my hand-eating. The German exchange student sat next to me and was intent on using a spoon, but they wouldn't let him. I wore a white sari to honor the occasion and I felt like a princess because my host mom (who is wonderful) gave me a bunch of gold jewelry and bangles to wear. The sari didn't quite work because I was too clumsy to fix it, but i have many more opportunities. Still loving it!!