It is that time of the year when the library witnesses grab a seat competition at 8am in the morning. The auto drivers otherwise playing NFS are swatting flies and the pubs are a no-go. Yes, its exam time in Manipal. The pre-monsoon showers have brought life back to the nature and the climate is truly heavenly. I start my day @ 8am and the far surroundings are enveloped in a thick layer of mist. It is drizzling lightly as I look up to the overcast sky and the I feel like singing Teri Meri Kahani Baarishon ka paani line form the song Teri Meri Kahani. The little guy inside me starts quivering with excitement and just wants to burst with joy. Dance in the rain and soak in the mist is what he says. @4am, the climate seems to have preserved its state with the falling rain ever so persistent. The little guy is adamant about letting him take over. The walk to my room and then to the bus-stand in the rain with my music was one to remember.
The clock struck 6pm when I boarded a bus to Udupi. Udupi is a lovely little town which still wears a traditional look due to the narrow alleys and also owing to the powerful presence of the infamous 8 mutts. Ratha Beedi is a circular road surrounded by temples. I first bought photo frame of a deity for which mom was after me like holding a belan. Today I thought of visiting the Sode Waadiraaja Mutt but in the middle, magical aroma from the snacks at Mitra Samaj at Udupi pulled me of my course. I immediately barged inside and without a moment’s hesitation ordered a Masala Dosa and a hot cup of coffee. The perfect snack for the perfect climate. After settling in, did I realize that I was supposed to be visiting the temple. But when I was about to finish the Masala Dosa I could not resist a plate of steaming hot Goli Bajjis.
I came out like a junkie high on marijuana. Next I went to to the Sode Waadiraaja Mutt and the thing about mutts is that the interiors are in a state similar to that of 50 years before. I soak in the interior architecture and after a spiritually uplifting experience I emerge onto the streets and find myself in a totally different scene. The Ratha Beedi is lit up by an arc of chariot lights. I always wanted to witness the chariot pulling procession and as luck would have it, I witness the very same. A huge chariot is turning across the radius of the street with a large hemispherical dome and a hexagonal body adorned with bright lights, having been draped with images of Lord Krishna. Along with that are 2 mini chariots which are illuminated with a dazzle of golden hue. As the main chariot approaches pulled by devotees chanting Govinda Govinda the stage is set-up for the extra effects. The firecrackers and flowerpots go off. Camphor lights are set alight on the path and the temple elephant joins in the procession.
An overenthusiastic photographer is shouted at by the mahout. Yeah humans always see the entertainment side of the nature but there are quite a few trying to create a difference. But the balance is held precariously. I finally take leave having seen quite a few activities in a day. The freedom one has with oneself is totally unconquerable. We need to give time to ourselves to ask some uncomfortable questions or to just do things your way no doubts raised. Be yourself, don’t give a damn. !!
