Hello I’m sitting on the sacred Arunachala hill, Tiruvannamali, home to the Sages. It’s my last day in India and it’s Full Moon. From about 4pm yesterday afternoon, people from all over the Indian State of Tamil Nadu (that’s about half the size of Victoria, Australia), started arriving in buses and cars to begin the 14.5km Giri Pradakshini walk around the mountain. This happens every full moon. I mean, it’s incredible when you think about it – we’re looking at 1.5million people who drop everything to come and celebrate the walk around the mountain, stopping at the numerous temples along the way, eating roadside food, chai. It’s like a huge festival. Sadhus and the lame, with their begging bowls, lined up along the roadside, some forming bands and chanting *Arunachala Siva, Arunachala Siva, Arunachala*. It’s such a sacred experience – with the full moon shining over the mountain, the gorgeous colours of the women in their beautiful saris and hair adorned with scented flowers, such a myriad of delights to fill the senses. People appear so happy and warm and friendly – such a buzz. On my way to the mountain this morning, there were still throngs of people, many of whom had walked through the night (maybe because it’s cooler). It’s getting very hot here now. The leaves of some trees have actually turned red and are falling off, as if it were autumn. Apparently, in extreme temperatures, this is to conserve their energy. At the moment, it’s nearly springtime and temperatures are already in the 30s (Celsius). Well, that’s it for now. I will post some pics to my Sacred Travels Facebook page later today www.facebook.com/SacredTravels.com.au/ Lin
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