Deveraja Market, a Wedding, and a Home Cooked Meal

Known as the Heritage City and the cultural center of the state of Karnataka, we're beginning our Gate1 visit of Mysuru (formerly known as Mysore under British rule) with an early morning walk through the Deveraja produce market. The market yielded sights, sounds, and colorful photos of flowers and veggies.

Flowers are an essential part of Indian spiritual culture. They symbolize beauty, purity, devotion, and spirituality, creating a bridge between the devotee and the divine.

The ornate Dufferin Clock Tower well known as 'Chikkagadiyara' (Little Clock) is situated at one of the entrances of Devaraja Market. It was built in 1886 to honor Lord Dufferin, the Viceroy of India,1884-1888.

Only the banana vendors and motorcycles seem to be allowed in the large plaza.

Our group walked by piles of beautiful veggies.

The bumpy veggie is called Bitter Melon. I tried some in a veggie dish and was suprised at how much I liked it. The bumpy skin is softened with the cooking. To me it was a bit like cooked zucchini. To the right are kohlrabi and behind are okra.

I believe that these are "sweet lemon." As with all purchases, bargaining is essential.

Housewares, spices, cds, nuts, shopping bags...something for somebody.

Here is 30 seconds of sights and sounds in the market.

Mysuru was a fairly clean and orderly city compared to others. There are several traffic circles with monuments like these. This one has a statue of Maharaja Nawadi Krishnaraja. It is located nearly in the center of town and very close to the market.

My grandchildren would never have gone into this aquariam with its astounding and frightful exterior.

St. Philomena and St. Joseph Cathedral was a quick stop. Built around 1933, it's a lovely neo-Gothic design with inspiration from the Cologne, Germany cathedral. Although there was a large wedding mass being held, everyone was welcome to enter and receive communion. (Photo Credits: Bob and sister traveler Constanza)

Cathedral of St. Philomena and St. Joseph. (P.C. Bob)

The groom, bride, and likely a mother. (P.C. Constanza)

Possibly the bride's attendant. Her dress and hair were so beautiful. 

Flower girls, so cute! (P.C. Constanza)

Dinner tonight was served by a local family in their home. They were very friendly and welcoming. The food was vegetarian, safely prepared, and delicious!

Once inside, we removed our shoes, as this is customary. 

The bathroom down the hall was made available. The serving area awaits. The kitchen is to the left and must have been added.

Every house has a shrine and prayer room.

This was their "living room" that was still set up with original decor and pictures from the lives of three generations (minus the tables and plastic chairs). 

Meals are often served on a banana leaf. I can't remember what all of the items were, but they were vegetarian and delicious. It is typical for Indians to eat with their right hand. Some did, and others used the provided spoon.

Mom, Dad and daughter all spoke very good English. Daughter is in university studying computer science. Mom and Dad are likely professionals.

Mother and daughter sing an Indian song in the appropriate style.

Note: On this busy day, we also visited Mysuru Palace in the morning and evening. Since this post is long enough already, the palace visit will be in a separate post.