Looking for a Better World
Part 6/8
Protected and Happy
The kids were too noisy. We could not talk that night. It was decided we would meet again the next evening. In the house of Thathi, the old-but-energetic-widow, we manage to all squeeze on the floor. A total of ten women. I feel protected, surrounded by the ladies of the village. As Rajani starts explaining who I am, I cast a furtive glance at them. The young ones are so beautiful in their graceful sarees. I want to tell them–but would it be appropriate? As a stranger, is it ok to comment on their clothes? I remain silent. A tall charismatic woman named Jyothilakshmy asks something to Rajani, who turns to me with a smile. “They want to know if the dress you wear in the photo is typical of your country.” I laugh. To break the ice, I thought it was a good idea to show my wedding pictures. In which, obviously, I am wearing a long sophisticated white dress. Definitely not what I would wear to travel on the metro! I say a word about European traditional weddings and then I ask, “And you, what are your local traditions?” They look at each other, wondering what to answer. Jyothilakshmy, again, takes the lead. “Well, we have the valapura.” Rajani gives an explanation instead of a translation. “This is the house were women go during their periods. It’s a place where they can rest for a few days. Their children are taken care of by a neighbour, so they can spend their time eating, sleeping and chatting. That house has got electricity now, as well as toilets and water, so it makes it a really cozy haven.” All the women have highly physical work in the cardamom fields. I am happy to know that they get a girls’ monthly break.
