Mumbai Day 36: Hindu New Year
I recently had the good fortune to befriend a member of the Hare Krishna movement, a branch of Hinduism which worships Lord Krishna (George Harrison, of Beatle fame, was a devotee). Today, my new friend invited me to celebrate Hindi New Year with members of his temple.
Celebrations took place near Chor Bazaar, and were held in the form of a jubilant street festival. Idols, mounted on an oversized cart, were pulled through city streets by revelers as families presented offerings to the Gods. The space in front of this cart, lined on either side by enormous ropes used to pull the entire assemblage forward, was filled with dancing and singing devotees showing their happiness to Lord Krishna, while bystandards threw rose petals from adjacent balconies. The atmosphere was ecstatic. This celebration lasted for over five hours as worshipers and passers-by pulled the idols through the winding streets of South Bombay.
One of the most incredible experiences of my life thus far.