“The colorful and divine facades of Tamil Nadu’s rural homes”, Hinduism Today, July 1, 2023:

“ India is one of the most religious countries in the world, as well as one of the most colorful—this is known by everyone. Less known is that the Southeastern state of Tamil Nadu could be a prime symbol of India’s vivid beliefs and picturesque faith. Let’s discover this vibrant state, where Hinduism is a living religion, with ancient customs deeply engraved in the rural psyche.

One of the main gateways into Tamil Nadu is Chennai, formerly known as Madras. With 11.5 million inhabitants, this is one of the nation’s most populous cities; but in such a gigantic modern municipality, it is difficult to sense the pulse of traditions and folklore. So, whoever wants to see and feel the authentic Tamil Nadu has to leave Chennai behind, drive to the countryside and, ideally, take a scooter to wander through the surroundings’ hidden tracks. 

This is where you catch a glimpse of the typical “village lifestyle.” You can walk with farmers going to the fields, chat with women working in front of their homes, get unforgettable smiles from boys in uniforms coming from school and see young girls with braided hair cycling back home. These scenes, which Westerners may know only from movies, are snapshots of India’s rural daily life…..”

Read the full article at Hinduismtoday.com