A well is the hub of the village, Rajasthan Small tanks and wells are guarded by watchmen and once I heard the story of a thirsty wayfarer who stealthily drank water when the watchman was dozing. The water in earthen pots becomes ice-cold in the simmering heat of summer and becomes uncontaminated, although initially full of sand, as the sand settles. Half a bucket of water is ample for an adult to clean up. Women usually cover their faces with an odhni or dupatta and wear thick, full-length skirts with innumerable pleats and a blouse with colorful designs. The heavy jewelry, made mainly of silver, tinkles and jingles when the women grind grain, pound spices or draw water.
Villagers are friendly and helpful, but wary of strangers.
Men and women never mix or talk in public except for business. Amusements for the people are in plenty but are enjoyed in segregated groups. Weddings, the births of children, and festivals are great opportunities to find women dressed in their finery, visiting village temples with pitchers on their heads. For the slightest reason they break into song. A wedding procession Child marriages are quite common and mass marriages take place on auspicious occasions.