R - SUNDAY 13 OCTOBER 2002

SUNDAY 13 OCTOBER 2002

Started an early morning. Today is the second day of the Puja's, this
day is known as Maha-Astami. It is a very big day for the devotees.
Many men and women keep fasts and only after the puja rites are over,
they take food. On this day animal sacrifices are offered, but
now-a-days this animal sacrifice can be seen in very few places. Animal
sacrifices have been replaced by vegetable and fruit sacrifices.

Being a very important day, I went in the morning to the puja pandal,
offered my prayers, offered pushpanjali (offering of flowers with the
chanting of Sanskrit slokas), and lighted a lamp before the
goddess.

I was in a mood to roam about and so I went around the city with my
family. Got Prasad (food from a temple) and had it for lunch.

Spent a lot of time with friends and relatives. At night, the lighting
arrangements are so terrific in the pandals, that one can catch the
glimpse of the beauty the artists have created in the making of the
images.

Markets were simply bursting with men and women and children who were
entering into the shops and coming out with packets in their hands and
smiles on their faces.

Food stalls couldn't afford to give a place for an extra foot to be
placed for already they were so crowded.

This day was a very nice one for me.

Prepared dinner at home and had it very late. By this time I am totally
exhausted. Went to bed with prayers very tired but very excited and
happy.

11.30 p.m.