Monday, November 19, 2012

Xerophytes for sale, Waters Edge, Colombo.



Xerophytes - Plants thriving in water-scarce dessert conditions are easy to look after in flats. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes and add colour to a living room. They need minimal attention.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Traditions of a 'House-warming' ceremony, Sri Lanka.

Lighting-up the brass lamp.


Placing the pot of milk on a make-shift hearth.

Lighting-up the hearth.

The pot of milk boiling over.
Entry to a new residence is associated with so many traditions in Sri Lanka. An auspicious day and time are chosen by an astrologer. The brass-lamp is lighted at the specified time. The pot of milk is placed on a make-shift hearth and the hearth lighted up. The milk boiling over equally all round the rim of the clay pot is considered a good sign. The table covered with sweet-meats already prepared is uncovered and the guests enjoy the meal.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Boating on the Diyawanna Oya, 'Water's Edge', Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Canoeing

Sailing
The 'Water's Edge' near the Parliament is a hive of activity now. This beats the old 'Galle Face Green' for leisure activities.
Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_smQdqG1ESo

Thursday, November 15, 2012

'Thooku Kaavady' - Acts of penance, Avissawella, Sri Lanka

Suspended in a cradle of ropes.

Suspended on hoos throush the skin.
A procession from one 'Paththini Kovil' to another in Avissawella. These acts are done to fulfil a vow to the Goddess 'Paththini'. The 'Paththini cult' was introduced around the 2nd Century of the Present Era into Sri Lanka. It is a very-much live cult in this area now.
Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLQAINZfwYI

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Two flowers, Sri Lanka.

An orchid in our garden.

A dahlia at The Waters Edge, Colombo