|Although strictly speaking today is the Feast of St Ignatius, founder of the Jesuits , here in Manvi it was celebrated yesterday (Saturday). It started with a colourful Mass (in Kannada language and with a 25 minute homily) and then segued into a cultural programme of dance and music. The group did very well although faced competition from the Spanish group based in Pannur - there is a video but the connection is slow so I haven't been able to upload it yet. Today celebrations were supposed to continue in Pannur this morning and then with a smaller presentation by the hostel children this evening. Heavy rain however has put a stop to that and today has been rather desultory as a consequence. The rain however is good news for the farmers and as we drove from Mass in Pannur this morning we saw women planting cotton seeds in the fields and near Manvi the empty brown filelds are now full of water and women are beginning to plant the distinctive emerald green rice plants.the group also visited the hospital in Pannur to see a newly born little boy.

Tomorrow is a reflection day; if the weather lifts we may return to Pannur to perform the dance again, but as I write the rain has started to lash down once more. Amazing to think that in two days time we will be packing to return to Bangalore. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upper Kindergarten Class waiting to perform a dance as stars