Mapayur

Onboard activities included a talk on the complex pantheon of Hindu dieties, a demonstration of how to wear a sari, dhoti and turban, and temporary tattooing using henna, one of which Jim had applied to his hand. In the afternoon there was an excursion to the temple complex of the Hare Krishna sect. The temple is very active, filled with statues of Krishna and other gods, worshippers, and music praising Krishna, a god of universal love. Incense filled the air and one could imagine the same type of Hindu worship a thousand years ago. After another delicious Indian dinner onboard, there was a special surprise at 9 pm, when the ship's tender released dozens of oil lamps on the river Ganges, illuminated by fireworks and the full moon. - Dan