Puja

Hardly anything happens here in Tamil Nadu (and perhaps the rest of Hindustan) without a puja. It's an asking for blessings from the gods and banishing of evil spirits. Local priests are brought in for house warmings, blessings of new cars, start of new businesses, whatever.

We finished a new canteen at the job site and some priests were brought in and they built a 'homa kuntam' or literally: ritual vessel in which they built a fire INSIDE the building. The fire, made of special wood of course, had herbs and flowers and ghee and even coins thrown into it.

Lots of chanting and smoke followed by sweets and coconuts and buttermilk and then lunch!