Devi Gahr

On the roof of Ahktar's House

Giving sweets to the Muslim Children on the rooftop

Ahktar and his father

85 year old singer performing for us

Downtown Dewara

Typical Family

Ahktar flying kite

We met Ahktar in the morning. He took us to his house. His grandfather was born in the house. The family has lived in Dewara (the village next to Devi Gahr) many years. We first went up to the top of the house. Most of the houses in India have flat roofs. In the hot summer they sleep on them. During the day children plan on the roofs. Kite flying is huge here, and we flew kites. A large number of children from the Muslim school were on the roof, practicing their English, saying Hi, Hello, How are you? We dispensed candy to all of them. Indians definitely have a sweet tooth. They presented us with a scarf for Cathy and Turban for me. Ahktar’s father wrapped it on to my head. Ahktar’s father is quite amazing. He speaks no English. He is a retired policeman. He is a very devout Muslim and spends most of his day praying in the family prayer room. He exudes warmth. He embraced me in a way that made me feel like a son to him. It was very touching. 

We went down stars to their living room where Ahktar and his family had hired an 85 year old Rajasthani singer. He sang songs and played the harmonium. The songs were in Hindi and Urdu. The women listened from the next room.

We then walked around the village, meeting people and taking pictures. It is quite charming. The village is a combination of Hindu, Muslim and Jain religion and they all get along. It is quite a testament to village harmonious life. You read so much about inter-communal problems in India, it is great to see a peaceful village.

Ahktar has spurred some youths to open a gift shop in the village, and they have very nice shawls and miniature paintings. My bargaining skills returned.

We returned to the hotel to lay out by the pool relaxing until we had our massages.

We finished up with dinner in our room. It was a charming day.