When I arrived at Cardamom County a month ago, I was welcomed by bright lights and loud music : April 23rd is Saint-Georges’s day…Saint-George is one of the most venerated figure in the Christian faith, and Saint-George Orthodox church happens to be a stone’s throw away.

Saint-George Orthodox church in Thekkady

So when a procession passed right in front of the bright lights, the heat of the night and the loud music contrasted with the fervor and the peacefulness of the walkers. After the procession finally arrived at the Church I felt privileged to having witness this moment.

Saint-George procession in Thekkady

But it was not the end of the celebrations:  from the other side of town another procession arrived, Hindu this time, going towards Sree Bhadrakali temple.

Hindu procession heading towards Sree Bhadrakali temple

Bhadrakali is the protectress of Kalaripayattu, the spectacular martial arts of Kerala  which probably explains why some of the walkers had their cheeks pierced by sticks. Bright lights, small city.