Turbans, Bindis and Saris: The Unusual Significance of India’s Clothing
I loved watching Indian women draped in brightly colored, embellished silks managing to accomplish, to me, awkward side-saddle motor bike rides, managing unruly kids, raking basmati, worshipping at the temple all the while composed and lovely in their saris.
In Indian culture, the sari symbolizes respect, dignity, modesty and confidence.
The word “sari” means “strip of cloth” in Sanskrit. But for the Indian women—and a few men—who have been wrapping themselves in silk, cotton, or linen for millennia, these swaths of fabric are more than just simple garments. They’re symbols of national pride, ambassadors for traditional (and cutting-edge) design and craftsmanship, and a prime example of the rich differences in India’s 29 states.
National Geographic
And then, the men…
The paag (turban) is a headdress that is wrapped or worn around the head by men in Rajasthan.
Synonymous with a man’s identity, the paag is a powerful symbol of pride and valor in Marwar. Every social group in Marwar has a distinct style of tying the turban that is akin to an unspoken language.
Here’s a demonstration on how to wind a turban from by visit to Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. It’s long but if you’re interested in how to wear a turban, here’s the deal…
A bindi is a bright dot of some color applied in the centre of the forehead that is worn in the Indian subcontinent associated with the third eye chakra. It is a traditional welcome for visitors and we wore ours proudly.
Love it or not, it’s fascinating with a history I honor and cherish as a traveler and lucky visitor.
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Dress up night!
My recent Peruvian adventure included a deep, delicious dive into the country`s authentic cuisine with seafood as a highlight.
High in the Andes Mountains of Peru live direct descendents of the ancient Inca people, invaded by Spanish Conquistadors in the 1500`s. This indigenous group of people are called the Q`ueros.
#abroadtravelingabroad #incahistory #incatrail #peru #sacredvalley #seniortravel #shaman #soloseniortravel #solotravel #womentravelingsolo
Although the trail to the remarkable Inca engineering and cultural achievement called Machu Picchu is Peru`s most famous destination, Cañon del Colca, or Colca Canyon is a grand and extraordinary experience...one not to miss!
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We did it! #Machupicchu #incatrail #wiracocha #abroadtravelingabroad #hirambingham #sevenwonders
Sacred Valley of the Incas #ollyantaytambo #peru #wiraquocha #abroadtravelingabroad
Near Saqsayhuaman Inca site #shaman #shamanism #perushaman #healingrituals #abroadtravelingabroad
Island life #uros #urosfloatingislands #laketiticacaperu #Peru #abroadtravelingabroad
Colca Valley #condors #chivay #andes #andeancondor #abroadtravelingabroad #peru #inca #incatrail #colcacanyon
A day in Arequipa, La Ciudad Blanca #santacatalinamonastery #laiglesiadelacompañíadejesús #elmisti #ceviche #peru
Croatia`s Secret Genius: Sculptor, Artist, Designer...Meet my friend Ivan Midzic
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Before landing in Tokyo I was perfectly content with a plastic tray of grocery store wannabe sushi.
Not any more.
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Thousands of vermilion Torii gates blazing in the August sun which straddle a network of trails behind its main shrines. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari.
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A morning walk along the Miyagawa River finds farmers and craftspeople selling sansai (mountain vegetables), wasakana (river fish) along with selections of local pottery and vintage kimonos repurposed as ornate handbags and a subtle rainbow of silk jackets.
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7th Annual Hawthorne Family Cooking Class #chefalyssas #thaifood #familytime
An afternoon at Tokyo`s Tsujiki Outer Market introduced me to the art of Japanese shopping. This is Japan’s “Food Town,” featuring every imaginable traditional Japanese food.
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Kyoto #🈲 #abroadtravelingabroad #goldenpavilion #kimono
Bullet train to Kyoto station late afternoon. Massive complex with floors packed with luxury designer shops, restaurants and 10 floors of the Isetan department store! Kyoto Tower replicates a lighthouse design. Looking forward to its topmost view tomorrow. @abroadtravelingabroad
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Alberto D. Harris | 4th Dec 23
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