Author's note: the dupatta is a major women's accessory
in India, a long scarf that is meant to be draped acrossthe chest for modesty. At first one chafes at the added heat and bulk of this garment, but it proves to come in
handy i oh, so many ways....add your own favorite below! Caroline

101 USES for a DUPATTA in India
1. Wiping your dripping hands after the restaurant
'hand wash' (there is never a towel)
2. Covering your nose against diesel fumes, stench of
> > urine and sewers, et al
3. Impromptu monsoon season umbrella
4. Shade from blazing afternoon sun
5. Thin shawl against morning chill
6. Bath towel
7. Extra bedsheet
8. (when folded) Pillow on long bus or train ride
9. Asana/darshan seat-saver (ashram in-joke)
10. Head scarf for Sikh, Muslim or Parsi temples
11. Wrapping breakables inside your luggage
12. Tourniquet for cobra bite
13. Blindfold during terrifying bus ride
14. Curtain in cheap hotel room
15. Change purse (small bills and even coins can be
> tied securely in one knotted corner)
16. Instant Mughal princess costume (Draped over head
> > and neck)
17. Wrap-around skirt
18. Tea strainer
19. Kidnapping blindfold (Bihar in-joke)
20. Balinese/Sri Lankan sash
21. Add your own here!.............