Hosanna Sunday - Kurisumala Ashram
Trip Start
Sep 20, 2010
1
68
71
Trip End
Apr 14, 2011
Where I stayed
Kurisumala Ashram, Kerala S. India
Regard this as a brief footnote to the previous entry. I am giving you a peek at the "Hosanna Celebration". You've got to hear it to believe it. Well named. The actual ceremony took 2.66 hours, way beyond the present tolerance level of N. Americans! I got antsy I must admit. But then again, I was in the position of a child. I didn't understand what they were saying (they were singing and praying in Malayam) but the chanting and participation was magnificent. The laity joined right in--- back and forth, didn't skip a beat..... moreover, without a musical instrument. (sometimes they use a harmonium - a kind of instrument that is a cross between a squeeze box and a one-handed piano with billows! It is played on the floor and it is rectangular in nature. Come to thin of it, it has some elements of the bagpipes too!
Notice too, how they are very alive to the sacred..... and nature..... as they used flower petals & incense liberally. Finally I was really struck by they homemade palm cross with the 3 heart like shapes, representing the Trinity, I am guessing.
Notice too, how they are very alive to the sacred..... and nature..... as they used flower petals & incense liberally. Finally I was really struck by they homemade palm cross with the 3 heart like shapes, representing the Trinity, I am guessing.


