Jantar Mantar I

This observatory was built by Sawal Jai Singh II in 1724. He was interested in calculating the planetary positions in order to plan sacred rituals at the appropriate times. The Samrat Yantra is a right-angled triangle that functions as a giant sun dial since its hypotenuse is parallel to the earth's axis. Note the calibrations along the edge of the dial. Thank you to DK Eyewitness Travel Guide for India for the facts.

Jantar Mantar II

The first picture is the Jai Prakash Yantra. It is one of two structures and was invented, it is thought, by Jai Singh himself to verify the readings of his other instruments.





The size of these instruments make them very resistant to vibrations and therefore more exact in their measurements. The small stair structure (Rashivalaya Yantra)is part of a 12 pieces that represent the zodiac signs. They each face a different constellation. Astrologers used this yantra (instrument) to cast horoscopes. It is the only one in the world. Thanks again to DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to India for the facts.

Jantar Mantar III

India Gate

Our driver wanted to be sure we took a picture. He was more impressed with it than I. However, it is dedicated to the Indian soldiers who died in WWI, those who fell in the North-West Frontier Province battle, the Third Afghan War and the 1971 India-Pakistan War. The canopy is where King George V was installed. Thanks DK Eyewitness Guide!

Baha'i House of Worship

There are 7 Baha'i temples in the world. I've seen the one in Wilmette Illinois, but never saw the inside. This temple was designed by an Iranian architect, Fariburz Sahba in 1986. There are 27 marble lotus petals making up the design and 9 water ponds surrounding the structure. The quality of the water is rather cloudy. No pictures are allowed inside. They do hold several short prayer services so pictures would be a distraction. There are marble and wood benches with a seating capacity of about 1300. Thanks to the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide for India for the facts.

On our way to get our hair cut

The first picture is the view just as we leave our gated community and the last is the wall at our entrance showing barbed wire. There is wire along all the walls of our compound. the other shots are street shots taken as we drove to a salon get our hair cut.





The orange truck is a water truck. Water trucks are supposed to bring potable water to the citizens for free but the drivers often charge for the water.

Cricket in Bangalore

Two things to note in these photos. The second picture shows fans buying fresh sugar cane juice and the fourth shows the military providing security for the game. Our driver told us this is because the police are corrupt.





Cricket fever hit Bangalore when Australia came to town to play India on an ODI (One Day International). This game differed from the World Cup India won recently in that there were several games to be played in different cities in India and there was a limit of 50 overs rather than the 20 overs in the World Cup. Now how many of my fellow Americans have a clue about what I just wrote?? Unfortunately the game was rained out which probably was a good thing for India as Australia had knocked out India's top batter just as the rain started.

Navratri

These smashed white pumpkins are decorated with vermilion powder as an offering to the gods. Since the gods were good to the people during the year, this is their offering back.

Dandiya III

This was my favorite video clip because everyone seemed to be having such a good time. Though they were a little far away I think you can see the large circle of dancers by their sticks!

Dandiya Night II

See Dandiya Night I for comments. This is a short clip of the dancing done this night.

Dandiya Night I

Dandiya Night is the last night of Navratri, the Festival of the Nine Nights. Here people are celebrating the victory of the goddess Durga over the Demon. the sticks represent her swords. This celebration took place at our Amenities Center at Palm Meadows.

These are short clips because there is an upload limit and I think you'll get enough of the flavor.

Rain!!

I thought the rain would be done after monsoon season. In fact, this rain is much harder, and, at least this week, much more often. During monsoon season it would rain for about 10 minutes a day. These rains come several times a day and as you can see, get quite heavy at times.

Homeless

You don't see many homeless people here but they are present. Usually, people put together a "house" made from tarps and branches almost anywhere.

Sunday at the Lalbagh

India has the third largest Muslim population in the world....more Muslims than Pakistan. Yet they are a definite minority here in Bangalore. Though there have been clashes between Hindus and Muslims in the past, there seems to be peaceful coexistence here. Here are some families enjoying the large Cottonwood at Lalbagh Gardens

Flower Show at the Lalbagh Park

You may wonder why there is a flower "arrangement" of the space shuttle but remember one of the recent astronauts was Sunita Williams, an Indian-American who was feted here for her accomplishment of being the first Indian-American in space.