It reaching 42 degrees celcius these days...
I figured to get out for a midnight shoot.
As I pulled onto the road I figured it would be
mostly just for the relaxation and cool breeze of the ride,
photos felt very far off.

Reaching a point I had had in my mind..I stopped.
Entering into the gate of the large compound of houses.
I right away started to get clicks and whistles
with the upturned hand gestering with inquirey..
"what do you want" and indicating "don't come in here"

Well you know sometimes you just need to be somewhere,
So I told them I was here to find "Raju"..my friend.
Of course they could not help me but I did gain
a small right to be there..So I starting "looking".

Although it felt to be leading no where..
many people were sleeping in the network of paths.
And some resistance was in the air in general.

Someone asked me if I was the cable guy
Ya I'm the cable guy (hehe)...where is Raju?

At a certain point one man in the crowd wasn't taking
to my line...and told me to leave in a clear tone.
Trying my best, he would have nothing of it..
till I asked about the wif of ganga that passed by my nose.
His demeaner changed and he asked why did I want some?
I said sure..and he then took me happily by the arm..
ah yes I had found my key : ))
He sat me down and I smoked 5-6 heavy inhalations
from the "chillum"... a very efficient smoking device.
I was very welcome from then on in.
_______________________

Seems we were sitting outside a temple..
strong music and singing were coming from inside
adding much to the atmoshpere.
This was a backroom as they lead me into the mandir

________________________

By now my memory sticks were depleted...
I was rather high and could see images opening up
as the crowd was more than willing to allow me to mingle,
I left seeing them out of the periphery of my vision...beckoning.

_______________________

With my face having been painted earlier the same as my hosts
I sat for a cup of chai...
leaving the group and eventual shown to my bike
by a very nice chap..I felt a good mutual vibe happening,
so I introduced myself and asked his name.
You will not believe me when I tell you..

Raju....yes, his name was Raju, my friend.

the next morning my wife asked who the heck painted my face
I had forgotten about it as I fell asleep without washing..
the pillow was heavily stained.
I told her some Shiva thing was going on..
she said yes, our maid, a Muslum woman...
had come in complaining about those darn hindu's
and their festival..who do they think they
are banging away on drums till 5 am.
Yes it *was* electrifying

Bvcuma