Kolam - India's Sidewalk Art
by Donna_in_India
Early each morning women clean and water the pavement in front of their houses. They then decorate the pavement using a form of art called Kolam in Tamil Nadu, globally known as Rangoli. Kolams are a symbol of auspiciousness. The traditional medium of rangoli is rice flour but today (due to cost) limestone powder or sandstone is mainly used. The designs are colored with colored dyes.
The tradition of kolam dates back to 2500 B.C. They were drawn using a course rice flour. This served as a food source for insects and birds. Rice flour is seen as an offering to Lakshmi, who is the Hindu goddess of wealth and rice. She has the power to prevent poverty from entering a home.
The artwork is passed down from generation to generation. A young will learn from her mother or grandmother. Types of kolam designs include: pulli (dots) are arranged in a specific sequence and order and then joined to make a pictorial design, and line kolams where a free hand drawing of lines makes a geometrical pattern.
Kolam designs can have special meanings as well. A Thottil Kolam is created for a newborn's naming ceremony. A Nalvaravu Kolam is used to welcome wedding guests.
You will see lovely kolams as you walk through the French Quarter. But they are also created all over India at temples - and homes - during festival times, special occasions such as weddings, and for pujas.
Sunday Bazaar along MK Gandhi Road
by cochinjew
the road is closed off, and I thought it would represent some sort of a local market but how disappointed i was, it was like a gathering of garbage, rubbish and junk. nothing worthwhile as a souvenier but lots of utility items for every day use. it is like a Indian Wallmart of the streets and utterly useless..
Sacred Heart Church
by Donna_in_India
Consecrated at the turn of the 20th century, this beautiful brown and white church is noted for its splendid Gothic architecture. The most beautiful part of the church is the stained glass windows which depict various saints and events from the life of Jesus Christ.
At the entrance to the church grounds is a small shop where you may purchase a candle (among other religious items). From outside facing the church, go to the right side of the church where you may light your candle and say a prayer.
We visited the church on New Year's Day when the church was overflowing with worshippers. The service, especially the singing, was really nice.
This church is within rickshaw distance of Beach Road and is the nicest church in Pondicherry. Definitely worth a visit!
Saneeswarar Temple
by Donna_in_India
The Saneeswarar Temple is located not too far from the Kali Temple about 8 km outside Pondicherry off the main road on the Pondicherry-Auroville route.
Sri Chidambara Gurukkal, an astrologer, built this temple for the Navagrahas, the Gods of nine planets: Rahu (Shadow Planet), Angaraka (Mars), Chandra (Moon), Guru (Jupiter), Budha (Mercury), Kethu (Shadow Planet), Sukhra (Venus), Saneeswara (Saturn), and Surya (Sun God).
As you enter there is a 27 foot tall idol of Shree Saneeswara facing the entrance. At the base are the Zodiac signs. Facing Shree Saneeswara, at the top of a flight of stairs, is a beautiful 34 foot tall gold Lord Ganesha. There is a Shiva Linga in front of Ganesha (at the top of the stairs).
Behind the idol of Shree Saneeswara are 12 foot high idols of the Navagrahas in their positions. The idols are beautifully done in stone each with their respective vahanas (temple chariot/vehicle), stones, and tree. Notice the details specific to each. In the center is Surya, the Sun God.
As you come out of the shrines, to your left is a small temple for Lord Shiva.
The property itself is two and a half acres large. There are 60 trees - each representing a year in the Tamil calendar - and an additional 27 trees - one for each star. It is a beautiful and peaceful place.
Before entering the property you may purchase small oil lamps to light in front of each shrine.
French War Memorial
by abi_maha
The stylish French War Memorial, located in the renowned Goubert Avenue, is a monument for those soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. Annual commemoration is celebrated every year on 14th July; during the period the memorial gets illuminated beautifully.
It is really a pleasant experience here, where the new generation pays their respect to those served the society and country. We, as the visitors, owe to visit this place and offer our tributes.
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Perfect retreat, Overlooking
Building/Street in French Quarter
Building/Street in French Quarter
Bharati Park
