Roads in Auroville

The road network of Auroville was designed as part of the city's master plan. The main roads in the master plan look like spiraling arcs coming out of a centre point, resembling a galaxy. Some of the main roads are there, most are yet to be constructed. Many roads or walkways have also been made not necessarily in accordance with the master plan. People solved their problems spontaneously instead of waiting for the master plan to be implemnted. This group of rodes are more organic in shape.

Whatever the case might be, there is hardly any straight line in the Auroville road network. Therefore, to go straight actually means to stay on the path no matter how dramatic the bends are.

Han ye ba ?

Where are you going ?

The mountain environment influences people and their culture in amazing ways. It encourages separation of what matters more in life than what does not. Totally disregarding the latter in some instances. This influence is manifested in several ways in the culture of Manangi people, an ethnic group of Tibetan origin living in Manang district of Nepal.

If you meet a Manangi traveler on your way, the usual greeting in Manangi language is "Han ye ba ?". Where are you going ? Where you are going is more important than where you come from.

The usual response would be (if you are going to Manang) "Manang ye ba".

And after a little chat, when its time for you to go your separate ways, say "Yo jo" to each other.