Banana Leaves as Plates

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In most of southern India banana leaves are available abundantly. They are used as plates for traditional South Indian Food. It is believed that when hot food is placed on these banana leaves the heat generates beneficial aroma to rise from the natural plates.

People prefer these to china because they doubt the cleanliness of western style plates.

It does take time in learning to eat with the fingers and direct from the banana leaf.

Candy Man; St. Philomena’s Church, Mysore

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Cotton Candy Man outside St. Philomena’s Church in Mysore on a Sunday.

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The great thing about this Church is that it was built by the Hindu Maharajah of Mysore for his Christian subjects. Religious tolerance is one of the greatest features of the Wodeyar ruling family. This dynasty has been ruling in this region for the last six hundred years except for a brief period of nearly thirty years when Muslim Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan reigned and persecuted Hindus.

Although the Kings are not recognized by the Government of India, the people revere and adore their King.