World Toilet Day

November 22, 2014

Working through a backlog of posts so have done 2 today as don't know when I will have internet again for my Bangalore and kitchen garden pictures.

The 19/11 marks the second international World Toilet Day which centres around the construction of new toilets and prevention of defecating outside. Early start of 6am and there is nothing more unpleasant than throwing cold buckets of water at yourself at 6am, even in India it isn’t hot enough to overcome that! Met some local council members with our banners and trusty ballot box squat toilet. Went for a walk around Pedur to hand out leaflets giving information about how to register for a toilet government scheme and the health problem associated with not using them.

In the afternoon we went to Nimmiyamputtur school where the local doctor and mobile doctor had agreed to speak to a selection of students about the issues surrounding poor sanitation. After the talk the doctors, 120 students, some teachers and the restless development health team did a 30 minute rally around the streets of Nimmiyamputtur. It was the most rewarding experience so far and the energy was immense. After the rally the boys all signed there name on a small piece of paper and put it in the ballot box saying they understood the importance of using toilets. We are going to use the names to create a long lasting display in the next few weeks.

In the evening we went to the temple with our downstairs and upstairs neighbour, there is a festival in Alangayam at the moment so there are “Christmas lights”, banana leaves and brightly covered banners everywhere. There is also a megaphone that plays music all day every day, for the last 3 days …. It was very interesting watching the ceremony even though it did start at 6pm until 7.15pm and we watching the setup up from 5pm. The ritual consists of blessing various offerings of rice, powder and flowers by passing it in front of a small flame on a golden tower they bring from their prayer room at home. I assume this is so it can be used at home and they do it a small pinch at a time while a group of religious men chant at the front.

At the end there was an epically long drumming session that we left after 30 minutes as we were hungry but as we were sitting down waiting they marched up the street and onto a stage where they have continued. It was pretty scary being stalked by the drums and they kept coming to a peak and we though they were finished but they started another tune instead. Both an interesting and awesome day.