Last evening a group of us (some of our actors), two Floridian devotees, and two additional monks from Canada, decided early next morning (today) to do the walk around Govardhan Hill. Included in our group also was Daniel from Ukraine. He showed up at our rendezvous spot at MVT Restaurant after being showered by green tones of Holi powder. A dish of salad was placed on his head. Wow! A piece of modern art?
After a thirty-five minute rickshaw drive, we began the brisk bare-foot walk so popular in this northern section of India. Our target was to reach a twenty-one kilometre goal. 5:30 a.m. was not a bad time to start. Like many of the marathon walks I've done, you must begin before the sun bakes you.
The soft sands were soothing. The sharp-edged stones were a challenge. All in all, it was an austerity that we all relished just as much as residents of India do. Indeed, it is a program for all. I was taken by the many young males, in particular, who participate. There is nothing to indicate that parikrama, pilgrimage, especially at Holi time, will die out anytime soon in Govardha.
Vendors attempted to sell their wares, mostly bananas and roasted chana, by saying, "Monkey seva! meaning: "Service to the monkeys!"
One sugar-cane merchant saw us coming. "Juus," he said.
"No, we are not Jews. We are Vaishnavas!" I retorted.
Near the Hill itself, one motorcyclist left his machine unattended, and several monkeys took full advantage by slowly dismantling the fellow's conveyance.
The Hill and Radha Kunda's sacred waters were highlights, although every time I come to the Kund, a greedy pundit appears trying to milk pilgrims of several rupees for puja worship.
May the Source be with you!
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