show me the way
I saw India through the window of an off-brand SUV. We covered some ground (see route). Big city, small town, village, slum, nomadic encampment. We were off the beaten path for most foreigners. And for that, I am grateful. We witnessed brief moments of everyday life that will rattle around in my brain pan for the rest of my life.
This is one.
We were approaching the main street of a blip on the map of a small town around 5:00 pm, when traffic came to a complete halt. Rush hour? Here? Through a scrum of motorcycles, cabbies and compact cars, we could see a truck painted red with a thatched cover festooned in flowers. A giant loudspeaker precariously perched on top blasted traditional Indian music with a heavy drumbeat. Streams of women in gold and red sarees followed behind.
Our guide, Chandra clapped his hands together and proclaimed, "Oh, this is so wonderful for you to see." He went on to explain that this was a procession of Hindus on a pilgrimage. Red and gold are sacred colors. People dressed accordingly and followed behind a succession of trucks. Chandra told us that they were most likely heading from a temple celebration to the river for more worship.
It was a sight to behold.
Traffic began moving and we zipped out of town. Miles out of town. Miles and miles out of town. And so did the pilgrims. The procession continued as many more joined in along the way, arm in arm, hand in hand, talking, laughing, kicking up dust with their bare feet.
We never did see where the procession ended, but I did not need, nor want to gawk at that.
I tried to equate this scene to something at home. I got cracked up imaging the congregation at my church sliding off our shoes and walking en masse behind our priest's truck (he does have one) down to Crabtree Creek after a rousing service at 5:00pm on a Wednesday. We might have a piano in the back of the truck for our organist to bang out some rousing hymns. Ah, I can just hear my children complaining now...
I wonder if the worship and fellowship at my parish is as equally fulfilling as a pilgrimage is to these dedicated Hindus. I don't know. I certainly thought I was fulfilled. Likewise, I am sure there were some junior pilgrims griping about the slow walk..
Instinctively, the experience brought to mind these lyrics. (Hello, Ron Obvious!)
O sinners, let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
O sinners, let's go down
Down in the river to pray
The song has been running in a loop through my head ever since. Might need to take a dip. Show me the way.