As locals say, in India every day is a holiday. So I was lucky to be part of the end of Ganesh festival. In Hinduism, there are thousands of gods and goddesses, and Ganesh, the deity with elephant head is really popular. In the evening, I heard drums from far away, crackling firecrackers and loud cheers. "Indians gone crazy," was the first thing that got to my mind when I saw this scene.
Parade of dancing people, smeared with red paint, a kind of white foam everywhere, constantly popping firecrackers. At the end of promenade colourfully decorated Ganesh on tractor trailer was waiting to be bathed in grand style in nearby river. Certainly such an event is celebrated by Hindus all over the country, but some celebrate it three, other five, some seven days.
South India is much greener than the central part, in addition, is a bit cleaner. But when you think that in all this dirt nothing can surprise anymore, it happens that you have to use toilete at the bus station. The signs are not required as unbearable odour is what leads you to the counter, where gentlemen charge for the use of toilet. I entered and I you just could not help myself. I screamed loudly and the young man behind the counter just calmly looked up and asked: "Rats? No problem, go, go." I had no choice, so I obeyed. You meet Rats everywhere because heaps of garbage are dumped right on the street. In Kerala, in the south-west India, to the delight of tourists, garbage is removed regularly. Kerala is not only the most successful Indian country it is also one of the most beautiful. Famous Kerala backwaters, where you can cruise on a houseboat made of wood and bamboo, are simply amazing. In the silence of natural sounds the narrow backwaters of river will reveal the everyday of local people that bathe, wash laundry and fish in the river.
Down the wider river meanders ferries drive. This is also the cheapest and the fastest mode of transport in Kerala. For less than 5 cents ferry takes you more than 3 kilometres while bus drive in chaotic traffic requires more time and costs round 25 cents. Prices are extremely low, but when you're in India, it is necessary to think in rupees. For the price of bus ride you get tasty Indian tea and delicious breakfast on the street. Only when it comes to hygiene standards you should turn a blind eye. Since Kerala lies on the west side by the Arabian Sea, the main component of daily menu are fish. In Cochin, small town in central Kerala, fishermen sell fresh daily catch. Along the coast small fishes are caught with large Chinese fishing nets. The experience has taught me that the best things are extremely cheap. It is true that the price does not include cleanliness, but to enjoy the foods prepared right in front of you in the middle of the street is priceless.
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