One local Swamiji, a building, and a woman carrying a huge parcel on her head.

Needing money in Ajrakhpur

These were people asking for money at the house / office where the bedsheets were made in Ajrakhpur. Actually, these people were not described to me as beggars, just as people who needed money. They stayed and had a conversation with the people at the house for about ten minutes, before they left with 27 rupees that they were given.

Nirona Village #6 : Rogan

Nirona Village #5

These photos were taken during my visit to the "vaata" community in Nirona village. This community consisted of, by my estimate, about 20-25 people. They were described by my guide as "very low caste" and "very poor".

(above) This man is showing me one of the dye ingredients that they use to make their colorful wooden handicrafts. It is some kind of wax that is mixed with castor oil.


This is a sample of the products made here in the village - they made candle sticks, bread rollers, etc. I bought a wooden cooking spoon/spatula for 100 Rs. ($2.20 US), though I'm sure I could have bought it for much less if I bargained.

Nirona Village #4

Making the handicrafts: As the wood is spun on this machine, it is shaped and color is applied.

Above Photo: Hawking a Big Loogie

Nirona Village #3

Nirona Village #2

Above is a muslim blacksmith making copper bells. Below is a man making flour.

Nirona Village #1

This is a Krisna temple, I was told that it is about 300 years old. While I was there, it was filled with old women chanting bhajans at kirtan. There was some beautiful artwork inside, including pictures on the ceiling depicting various scenes in Krsna's life. Photogtaphy inside temples is generally not allowed.



This is my guide.

Than #4

(above) This is a centuries-old dharmasala (pilgrim's resting place) in the small, ancient, hillside village of Than.


It is now overrun by hundreds of bats! You can see them in the photo here, if you want, click to expand.

Than #3

These top two photos are of other old Dharmalas.

The bottom three photos are of an area used for Agni Hotra / Pooja / ritual during Siva Ratris of the past.

Than #2

The maharaja of Kutch came here 3-400 years ago to hunt tigers & other big game. This is where he stayed. Foreign visitors can stay here now, in the room next store.