The ashram was filled with tranquility and peace in the morning and we could not resist to experience this scenic beauty at sunrise.
While Ashok was busy in absorbing some spiritual knowledge.
We visited the local tea shop again to enjoy 'Poha', the most common breakfast meal in Maharashtra.
Along the way we spotted a local sugar mill and a large quantity of sugarcanes.
Atul could not resist living his childhood memories of stealing sugarcanes.
Planting of sugarcanes. India is one of the larget producers of sugar and majority of it comes from the south of Maharashtra.
This is a Bullock Cart and decorative bulls of india.
We soon arived at the city of Kolhapur. This city is full of interesting moments such as this...a Guy selling buffalo milk on the roadside right from its udder.
Local taxi in India called auto-rickshaw
We were invited by Ashok's elder sister and her family for some refreshments.
watching peace run video..
However the real joy came when Atul and Ashok's sister had a mini sugarcane eating competition.
Now its time to hit the busy and colourful roads of Kolhapur
We then visited Shri Mahalakshmi (Ambabai) temple which is an ancient temple of godess Lakshmi and listed in various scriptues of Hinduism.
The temple belongs architecturally to the Kannada Chalukya empire and was first built in the 7th century.
The nearby precint of the temple was decorated with Rangoli, a colourful art done on floor and decorated by colourful rice flour.
Our Peace Run torch was blessed...
...for victory. The guy is playing an Indian trumpet used at the time of Kings for victory.
It didnt take much time for our torch to attract some attention.
and soon we had an impromptu presentation at the vicinity of the temple.
This is the gate of Kolhapur's Old Palace.
The locals invited us to have a free meal service that is run only on donation.
The only catch was to have this meal with our bare hands which is a traditional Indian way.
Volunteers..
Local Saree shops.
and green groceries.
Flower market
We then arrive at the city of Belgaum where we visited Ashok's relatives. His relatives generously offered us their accomodation and invited us for dinner.
Many Indian delicacies were served and yes it was spicy.
Delicious and fresh home made food. Gratitude to these Indian mothers.
