I've been working in a factory this past week on one of our projects at the partner site. It has been an interesting experience. The city and most of the country are preparing for two big festivals taking place late this week - Mahatma Gandi's birthday and Dussehra. Several prayers taking place daily and continuing on after these festivals.
Wednesday afternoon we were called up to the factory floor to participate in a company-wide prayer to the Goddess Durga for the machinery. Shoes off, we entered onto a mat in front of an alter. All of us females sat on one side. I was surrounded by beautiful sari-clad women. The chanting and singing began as we watched two men prepare the alter, waving fire-y sticks and sprinkling powders/spices onto the flowers and photos.
Wednesday afternoon we were called up to the factory floor to participate in a company-wide prayer to the Goddess Durga for the machinery. Shoes off, we entered onto a mat in front of an alter. All of us females sat on one side. I was surrounded by beautiful sari-clad women. The chanting and singing began as we watched two men prepare the alter, waving fire-y sticks and sprinkling powders/spices onto the flowers and photos.
It was major sensory overload - the sticky, humid weather, incense burning, loud chanting/singing, firecrackers being launched outside, my personal bubble being invaded, the smell of factoryish-ness. I was so overwhelmed I felt like crying and laughing. It was a lot to take in but a very cool to experience. |
We lined up to give prayers for the equipment and machinery at the alter; sprinkling pinches of spices and powders onto the flowers. After receiving a little sip of milk poured into right hand to drink. We then went through the line receiving 'prasad' - candies and fruit dumped into our hands. A clump of sugary treats, pomegranate seeds, apple and orange slices and some other white gooey mess that was almost liquid. No plates or napkins.
And finally, if you are curious how to celebrate and pray for the machinery - deck it out in streamers and wreaths of flowers and put incense sticks on all the equipment. It really brightened up the dreary space.
So, how was your work day?