Welcome to the Family - Sangam Style

It's traditional for every International Centre in GirlGuiding to welcome their guests with warm , open arms through a welcoming ceremony. We were lucky enough to participate in our own tonight.

At around 20:00 we all gathered in the 'breeze way', a hallway at the front of the centre which produces artificial air conditioning. We were then briefed by Nikki and Nieke (some Sangam short term volunteers) and they gave us tips and tricks for the welcoming ceremony. 

The ceremony began with us making two neat lines behind each of the volunteers and waiting quietly until everyone was ready. We all stood in a horseshoe surrounding the welcoming lamp which then proceeded to be lit by Mina (the World Centre's Deputy Manager) . The blessing came next. It involved kumkum powder and turmeric being dotted on our 3rd eye, a yellow and orange flower lei placed gracefully around our necks and a bowl circled around us 3 times. This ritual was then repeated on everyone and we were handed a coconut slice accompanied with a few sugar crystals. Our ceremony was then concluded with the lighting of the lamp and a huge group photo (see below).
Officially part of the Sangam Family with our new American friends from Japan.

Taking part in this ceremony was an incredible and unforgettable experience unlike anything I have ever done before. As everyone was welcomed individually it felt slightly awkward and everyone was a bit nervous about doing it correctly. As I was first to be blessed, it was especially awkward due to me having no one to copy but watching other people do it after me and making the same mistakes made up for it and it was special to be involved together. In the end we all feel incredibly lucky to have had this unique experience.
Written by Alice

Comments

  1. VeniceApril 8, 2019 at 12:01 PM

    Beautifully written piece! Thanks for all the pics, so lovely to see and read about your exciting adventure.....looks like you’re really enjoying the experience. Magical and spiritual. Wonderful.
    Vxx
    Ps...I want the hat back!

    ReplyDelete
  2. JulieB24April 8, 2019 at 12:30 PM

    Wow sounds amazing! What an experience, glad you are all having a good time xx

    ReplyDelete

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