17 January:
A planned Safari to the Bishnoi village had to be abandoned today as rain stopped play, this unexpected change in the weather has given us a breather to catch up on the blog.  We hope to resume play tomorrow.

18 January
Blue skies resumed after an unusual 24 hrs of heavy rain.  We headed off on our Bishnoi village Safari run by two enterprising brothers Shambhu and his brother Chhotu, they live in the village of Salawas where their family also run a homestay and a traditional weaving business. www.bishnoivillagesafari.org and www.salawashomestay.com . They are hoping to get some press coverage in the Lonely Planet guide to kick start their business, Trip Advisor has given them top reviews.

Shambhu and Linda

Chhotu weaving

The Bishnoi are a Hindu sect that broke away from the main stream religion some 500 years ago. Bish means 20 in their language while noi is 9.  These numbers are significant in that they constitute the rules they live by, they are strict vegetarians and live by a moral code that all life is sacred, the upshot being that sightings of timid wild animals that enjoy protection here can be more readily seen.

Antelope and gazelle

These peace loving people were dealt a cruel blow in 1730 when the Maharajah decided to chop down the trees on their rented land with the aim of building a new palace.  A mass tree hugging  protest took place followed by the slaughter of 363 Bishnoi protesters by the employees of the Maharajah. On hearing of this atrocity the Maharajah stopped work on the palace and donated the surrounding lands to the Bishnoi.

Camel 

Blue Bull

The Bishnoi  live in thatched adobe walled compounds, this is where we met with a village elder who was in the process of filtering opium tea, it involves crushing a compound of sugar and opium mixing it with water then filtering it about six times to produce the tea.

Linda enjoying a morning cuppa while breakfast is being prepared.

Traditionally the married women in the village wear red with a noticeable ring through the end of their noses, the married men wear white.

Chhotu’s house at Salawas where we had lunch together with his mum, wife and baby in the kitchen.

A thoroughly enjoyable day was rounded off with a visit to a local potter and then on to a factory that recycles old hand made garments converting them into shi-shi designer items.

19 Jan
A lazy day as we prepare to leave Rajasthan on the overnight Supa fast express to Agra.