Priests in the making

While in Kumbakonam (Thanjavur district in the southeast Indian state of Tamil Nadu) on the way from Pondicherry to Tanjore, meet young children reciting Vedic chants, who are priests in training. Apart from strict conformance to traditions, the children are taught the Vedas (ancient Hindu religious texts) in classes which run from early in the morning till late evening. It takes seven years to complete the education after which they become priests of the temples in the cities they come from. If you inform the priest in advance, you can listen to a prayer recited by the students of the school. Hearing close to thirty students reciting together with dedication is an experience in itself. You can interact with the students as well, with the teacher acting as the interpreter.