Anjuna beach cafe
Anjuna may not be the nicest beach in Goa, but this beach cafe definitely does justice to Goa’s reputation. The rather busy “interior” of the open bamboo structure breathes at the same time an atmosphere of optimum relaxation. The scene results in a crowded but very pleasant picture. We can look at it as a photo puzzle and ask the question: How many people – fully or partially – can we see here? The answer is: 9, or 11, if we also count the people on the poster.
What strikes me most, is the monumental “lingam and yoni” sculpture in the middle of the scene. We know it as object of Shiva worship in the thousands of temples, shrines, and stones in the open, that are dedicated to him all over India. But we wouldn’t easily expect it in the entourage of this cafe. Although, actually it is not altogether out of place here. The stone image depicts Shiva and his consort Parvati in sexual union, as phallus (lingam) and vagina (yoni). It represents the ultimate celebration of life; Shiva and Parvati as example for all human beings.
So yes, why not here too, in this sensual cafe on the beach in Goa at the merry Christmas season? A time, by the way, in which we are supposed to celebrate that the Virgin Mary, after an immaculate conception, gave birth to Jesus, the son of God. But that’s a different story.
Photo of the week: Anjuna beach, Goa, India 2012
καιρός remembered 
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