Open air huge chapatti making

for sharing around the pot.

Today was the festival of Makarsakranti when in many parts of Rajasthan and Gujerat kites are flown, particularly in Jaipur.  There were not many here in Udaipur but the Jagdish Temple was besieged by poor tribals and beggars who sat in the roadsides where people gave them money and food.  The Temple itself gave a meal to anyone who sat down in the Temple precinct on long carpets with men and women with serving ladles passing up and down topping up the plates and chapattis being handed out.  There were a good many sadhus present too.  The schools were closed and it was a day for playing games – boys threw a ball trying to hit a pile of stones but I couldn’t understand the rules but they laughed and darted around and had a deal of fun. I did a bit more exploring and found a government boy’s school within a huge haveli (courtyard house) that has had millions spent on its exterior refurbishment – nothing has been spent on the school which was basic – metal tables and stools, hideous loos, and a very basic chemistry lab which the caretaker showed me with pride as he flapped away with a broom at the dust. I climbed the spiral staircase to the top of a water tower with fantastic views of the city and countryside -  bit nerve wracking though.  Later I waited in the dark on a bridge over the lake for my lovely rickshaw driver to come to fetch me to have a meal in his house.  All of a sudden a donkey and her youngster galloped up, overtaking everything in their way but unfortunately on the wrong side of the already narrow road and they tipped over a motorcyclist right beside me.  He was much shaken but luckily no damage to him or the bike.  The donkeys scarpered.   Thanks to everyone who has comments and given awards recently it has really inspired me. The day