DUSSHERA

One Festival follows another, at this time of year....first it was Ganesha, where we celebrated the removal of obstacles and the bringing of good fortune, then it was the Garba, with nine nights of dancing, to celebrate the divine energy, which we all share and the cycle of creation and dissolution.  This is followed by Dusshera, celebrating the triumph of good over evil.  It has its origins of course in Hindu Mythology and the story of Rama falling in love with Sita, who becomes his wife.  She is kidnapped by the Demon King, whom Rama eventually fights and defeats, to free Sita.

Early in the morning mist, women are already out on the road, sitting amongst heaps of marigold flowers, nimbly making garlands for sale.   These will decorate every vehicle with a prayer for good luck and good fortune, from bicycles to motor cars and everything in between......

The owner of the Fitness Studio carefully knelt before each of the exercise bikes, he applied 5 dots of red 'tika' paste on the front of each one, with a little bit of rice and a marigold, dipped in the red paste.  Each piece of gym equipment was given the same benediction.  The intensity of his prayer could be felt - the gym was a new business venture by a group of young trainers.  It had opened at the beginning of the year, but within a week of its inauguration, it had been wiped out by fire and burnt to the ground and the young syndicate had had to bite the bullet and begin all over again !