Book Review/Recensione: "In light of India" (1998), by Octavio Paz, ****

Testo in italiano di seguito

Synopsis

This collection of essays recalls the author's days in India, first as an attache in the Mexican Embassy, then 11 years later as Mexico's ambassador. He brings insight into India's landscape, culture and history in a series of discourses. "The Antipodes of Coming and Going" is a remembrance of the sights, sounds and smells of the subcontinent. "Religions, Castes, Languages" gives a survey of Indian history".

"A Project of Nationhood" is an examination of modern Indian politics, comparing the respective Islamic, Hindu and Western civilizations through the course of history. "The Full and the Empty" is an exploration into what Paz calls the soul of India, its art, literature, music and philosophy, and an indictment of the self-centred materialism of Western society.

Octavio Paz is the author of "The Double Flame: Essays in Love and Eroticism".

8. - 29 December: drive to Thanjavur (Tanjore)

PLACEHOLDER

Morning depart for Tanjore enroute visiting Gangaikondacholapuram (1/half hr and Darasuram and Kumbakonam and then on to Tanjore (1hr).  

On arrival check into Hotel Sangam and overnight stay.

7. - 28 December: drive to Chidambaram

PLACEHOLDER 

Morning continue by car for Chidambaram (1/half hr).  On arrival check in at the Shradharam Hotel.

Later depart for sightseeing visiting the Natraja Temple. You can visit the temple again in the evening during the evening prayer ceremony.

Return to your hotel for overnight stay

hotel Sradharam/Chidambaram

6. - 27 December: drive to Pondicherry

PLACEHOLDER

Morning depart by car on to Pondicherry (2 hrs). Pondicherry a former French colony.

Police with French kepi hat!

On arrival check into Hotel Anandha Inn.  Later proceed for sightseeing visiting Auroville and Aurobindo Ashram.


Overnight stay at Ananda Inn/Pondy

5. - 26 December: Mahabalipuram, rock-hewn temples

PLACEHOLDER

Morning departure for sightseeing visiting the magnificent rock-hewn temples and monolithic stone figures dating back to the 6 to the 9th century AD. Visit the shore temples, viewing the colossal sculptural frieze, Arjuna Penance, a masterpiece, and the world's largest bas-relief.

Later in the afternoon visit the Dakshinachitra cultural village 20km from Mahabalipuram.  This depicts the distinct culture of the southern states through authentic reconstructions of traditional architecture, demonstration of artisans at work, and exhibition. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

4. - 25 December: drive to Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram

Early morning depart for Kanchipuram (2hrs), the city of a thousand temples and famous for its handwoven silk fabrics and saris. Sightseeing visiting temples fo Ekambareshwaran, Kamakshi, Vardarajaperumal , Kailashanatha. Also visit the weaving handloom center. 

Christmas is not celebrated in India, of course, unless you belong to the minority community, of whom there are quite a few in Kerala but not so many here in Tamil Nadu. So we basically skip it today.

Proceed on to Mahabalipuram (1/half hr drive).  Mahabalipuram is on the seashore, city of 7 pagodas and is the 7th century seaport of the Pallava empire. On arrival checked at the unremarkable and definitely not so "ideal" Ideal Resort Hotel.