He had a very interesting look about him, and he wore the kind of sandals they used in the days of the Buddha. He uses the leopard skin, which he is carrying on his back to sit on particularly while meditating and praying. He said he came from Kailas (the Himalayan Mountain considered to be the abode of Shiva) and is now off to Benares.

Lost kids and lots of grief in the women and children camp. Selehi, sitting on her cousin Jugi’s lap has been crying non-stop for the two hours they have been here. They come from a village 300km away. Bald headed Nagendre comes from the neighbouring state of Madhya Pradesh and Anand’s village is only 25km away. If they have not connected with their families by tomorrow, I will be surprised. I’ll keep you posted.

The elephant is passing on a gift from the stallholder to the mahout.

Since the last sahi snan day on 29^th January, large empty pockets have appeared all over the mela grounds. The empty space behind the camels was until last week, occupied by one of the Akaharas.