CHANTING FILLED THE AIR AS PURPLE ROBED PILGRIMS surrounded the massive Mahabodhi Temple which was festooned with garlands, fruit-laden altars, prayer flags and flowers. Bodh Gaya is Buddha-land. Twenty-six centuries ago under a bodhi tree in what is now Bodhgaya, Prince Sidhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment. Today Buddhists from Tibet, Sri Lanka and around the world flock to this holy site to make their pilgrimage. Legend has it that the bodhi tree that grows here now is a direct descendant of that very same tree. If it makes them feel good, well . . . .
Under the Bodhi Tree
While today belongs to the Buddhists; tomorrow the Hindus take over. The full moon marks the beginning of spring and the festival of Holi, a raucous celebration when everyone gets doused with brightly colored water and powders. We have heard that things can get out of hand, especially in the villages, and with any luck we will be long gone.
"Holi" days are a'comin'
