The Travel Diary #68 The Artists

I heard songs from the far and didn’t really know what is happening. My first thought was maybe it is some family function going on in the house nearby. But, as I was passing by this house where the loud songs with the drums coming by, I was in for a surprise.

There were these three guys, two of them in full costumes and one accompanying them with Tabla and a little drum. They went from house to house, singing and asking for the “Dakshina” (more like an offering, as cash) at the end. They were hurrying to cover all the houses. Maybe it was already time people leave for work

It reminded me of my childhood when we, the friend gang of my neighborhood, used all the talcum powder to get the look of lord Rama during the summer holidays. And now I see how perfect these guys have done it. So, I had to ask them for a picture

They agreed to pose for a picture and hurried to the next house immediately. I am guessing they are singing the praises of God and blessing the houses.

People are not the only ones who get a full costume here. Many a times I have come across animals being decorated with these glittery fabric and a bell. Someone accompanies them carrying a bag or some plate or in some cases a small drums.

They move from shop to shop, hose to house and ask for money. I don’t know if this actually has a religious significance but most times I have seen this as another way of begging. Not sure if I am correct since I have not seen any rituals like these where I grew up. Most shop owners also doesn’t seem to agree with this.

I am not a huge fan of this but few things are always interesting when you see it for the first time and not think about it I guess!

This reminded me of a funny incident when we were visiting a temple in Dwaraka, Gujarat. There were many guys dressed as lord Krishna in bright shiny costumes and they offered prayers in exchange for money.

There were a few who did readings also and many of them occupied the whole temple area. There were many when we were walking inside the temple premises and this friend of mine, who is not a Hindu (and yes, it matters in this story) was stopped by one such reader guy.

Rest of us started moving away from there and asked him to come with us but he thought it is impolite not to respond when someone is talking to you. So, the talk between them started and this person asked him to show his hand and then he was trying to get him a thread tied around which was going to cost him some amount.

Our colleague refused and started to walk away. This guy followed him and started asking his name and he got scared. Now he is walking fast towards us and this guy following him. He came to us and then asked “Are you a Brahmin” and he said no. Then he said, yeah, this works only for people from that caste and that left us pretty shocking. But, he was relieved as he was left saying that.

Well, we had a reason to make fun of him for the next couple of days as the as "the guy who got chased for his curiosity".

But, this post is about these guys, and the perfection of their costume.

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