Puja

Back in Delhi and while we were away the rickshaw got a new canopy and back seat to clean it up ready for it's "puja" (blessing) . So yesterday we went to the Kali temple for the ceremony. Champu and Muna bought a basket full of marigolds and other flowers which were blessed in a 15 minute ritual inside the temple and we then went out to the rickshaw. As Champu held the basket, the "Pundaji" recited a lot of prayers as he placed the flowers on the front wheel. He then drew a couple of good luck signs on the front and placed a marigold garland over the steering wheel before sprinkling water all around the rickshaw. After about 10 minutes Champu was handed a coconut which he smashed on the floor and then sprinkled the water around the rickshaw. Apparently that now has to be taken home and sprinkled there, while the flowers had to be taken to the river to be sent off on a journey towards the Ganges. It was very moving and, to my surprise, I burst into tears! Champu said that he'd never been to a vehicle "puja" before and that he didn't understand all the prayers, but there were, apparently, a lot for the iron.
We had a short discussion about whether we should take the flowers directly to the Ganges when we go to Varanassi next week but for the sake of the film we opted for sending them off in Delhi. The river was filthy and there were some kids scavenging beside it. I see another run coming on!!! Champu and I threw the garland in and he then paid one of the kids 10 rupees to wade out and put the garland further into the current.
Last night I gave Champu the money to register his 2 daughters in School which he is going to do this morning and hopefully, they will have their first day before we leave :-)