On 21^st of January 2019, FSL-India Kundapur’s LTV team organised a Cultural Event for 2 LTV volunteers. Every month, we organise a cultural event for our regular volunteers and we take them to any cultural and historical places which are located in and around Kundapur.

This month, the Cultural Event was mainly focused on a family function. In the morning, FSL-India’s coordinator explained about the activities and we started our travel from the meeting point to Sasthana, the cultural event place. First, we visited the temple nearby, and we were fortunate to be present at the Seemantham (pregnancy) ceremony.  The family welcomed us with a big smile and watermelon juice. 

After drinking the delicious juice, our volunteers attended the Seemantham ceremony where the family members performed all the rituals. They were very interested to see the rituals. After the ceremony, one of the family members told them to bless the pregnant lady, after which the family members also blessed her. After blessing the lady, our volunteers took some photographs of the rituals.

Next, we had a sumptuous lunch – there were about 3 different curries and even more different vegetables, and several sweets. The food was delicious and everyone enjoyed it very much. Other volunteers and staff from FSL-India also joined us at this function.

After lunch, we spent some time in the hall, to have interaction with other volunteers and family members. Then, we left the hall and traveled back to Kundapur. Both Nina and Francesca said it was a worthwhile program from FSL-India. They enjoyed watching the Seemantham ceremony and learnt about Hindu traditions and ceremonies. They are looking forward to having more new cultural experiences.

Feedback from Francesca & Nina

• It was a nice day and I enjoyed watching the Seemantham Ceremony
• I have learnt about Hindu ceremony and Indian tradition and food was very good
• The temple visit was amazing and the rituals were so surprising
• The family welcoming us for the program was really great
• Wishing a pregnant lady was for us, a first.

It has been a great opportunity to see how, in the Indian culture, a baby being born is celebrated. I had fun, and the food was delicious! Also, it is great to be invited to take part in the rituals. This open-mindedness I really cherish. – Nina Muller, Germany