Madurai Madness!

Latest amazing experience in my crazy life was a trip to the city of Madurai. The city was hosting the "All India Dance Competition for the Visually Challenged". Anna and I were invited to join Devnar's competing teams, five girls and nine boys. 

Now Madurai is 1008 miles away from Hyderabad. We were going all that way for one day in Madurai for the competition. It's a 24 hour train ride. Which for me was really exciting. I've never been on a sleeper train before, spending a whole day and night speeding through the Indian Countryside, what could be better? After all it's supposed to be a key Indian experience. 

Polite Train 

Train Ride

Set off from Secunderabad Station at 6PM. Getting there was a bit stressful, involving an squashed auto ride with 7 people! The "4 in all" rule is never followed! While waiting from the train I met the Sai Junior College Girls and Boys dance teams. 

The train was very cool. We were all in the same carriage. There was a few beds permanently set into the ceiling, the other beds folded down into seats. 

The beds were very flat and not very comfy! Surprisingly cold at night and strange noises didn't make for a peaceful night's sleep! Woke up more exhausted than when I'd gone to sleep. The motion of the train was relaxing at least and I did enjoy the novelty of it all. 

Sleeper Carriage

Train stretched on for miles!

Stations were hustle and bustle. Chai and snack sellers yelling. People rushing to and fro. 

After each station hawkers managed to get on the the train, beggars too. 

  

The views from the window were amazing. Spent hours upon hours just gazing out the window. It was strangely life affirming to see the many different landscapes of India rush by. I am here. In India. This huge, diverse country where a billion lives collide and one train journey can show you a kaleidoscope of landscapes palm tree clad hill and boulder strewn scrub lands is my new home. I've been here for 3 months already an there's still so much to discover here. 

Difference between Andhra Pradesh... 

And lush Tamil Nadu

 I loved the journey.

Madurai 

Didn't get to see much of the city as we were only there for one day. However we managed to squeeze a trip to the famous Temple, the Meenaskhi Temple. 

Meenaskhi Temple 

The temple is MASSIVE. Originally built around 1000 years ago although the present form is from the years 1623 to 1655. Its elaborate carvings and labyrinthine corridors made it a fantastic spectacle. Crammed full of worshipers, I felt slightly out of place. But any awkward feelings were lost to my fascination. 

Paid 50 rupees for a Camera ticket... still had to be subtle taking photos (excuses for terrible focusing)

Me and Anusha Teacher - the Event organiser

On Sunday we headed back to the temple area for some shopping. The Temple looked even more impressive in the daytime. Thousands of statues, brightly colored and huge! Each tower is over 50m in height. There are over 33,000 sculptures in the Temple. It's a very impressive sight.  

Dance Competition 

The Competition was on Saturday the 30th of Dec. 

Began with solo classical dances. 

Previous Champion won 3rd this year. 

2nd 

1st place dancer from Varanasi, she was very spirited.

Folk dancing came next. Different dances from all over India. Traditional tribal dances too. 

Traditional Keralan dance

Ended with a free standing ladder!

Demon costumes 

Classical Dance groups.

Both Devnar and Sai Junior College participated in this event.

Sai Junior College girls Ganesha Dance

Before this I helped along with Anna to dress the girls and put on their make up. 

A lot of bling is involved in the traditional costume.

Freestyle Group Dancing.

Peacocks and flames from Gujarat

Our boys competed with a very conscientious dance about global warming and religious tension. 

they won 3rd place in the competition. So proud! 

Speeches. 

Many speeches. Most were in Tamil, so lost on me! But the rest of the audience seemed inspired! 

Founder of the Indian Association for the Blind giving a speech

Overall the competition was amazing. Every act was very entertaining and inspiring. The children were really talented. The variety of dances and costumes were fascinating. The whole day was 

worth travelling so far to experience. The whole event was great for the participants too. 

I'm very grateful to IAB for providing being so hospitable, providing food and accommodation for the trip.

Certainly one weekend I won't forget for a while!