We met Suranja at the Kanchi Kamakshi Amman temple in Kanchipuram, also known as the “city of 1000 temples.” She explained that she is a widower, and she makes her money by giving tourists puffed rice to throw in the temple tank and other places outside, which brings blessings and luck – in exchange for a small donation. She was such a sweet lady we didn’t mind being “panhandled.” I think we got blessings for all of our kids, parents, aunts uncles…
