The nine-day celebration in Hinduism called Navrati honors the Goddess Shakti, who is often described as the personification of divine feminine creativity. During late March to early April, Hindus commemorate the Goddess by fasting, and also celebrate the young girls in their households and communities by washing their feet, a symbol of respect and honor in India.

The travelers who went on our Spring Break trips this past March got to participate in the festivities by washing the feet of the girls in our orphanages. They all sat in a row and an Ambassador rinsed their feet, dried them with a small towel and then folded the towel and placed it in the girl’s lap. Some of the travelers told us that is was amazing to see the children’s faces light up with pride at being a part of such a significant ceremony.

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