Lizzie and I were heading back to our hotel after a long day of shopping and sightseeing, when we noticed a lot of people gathering on both sides of the streets. Everyone was dressed up and there were little makeshift alters (low tables or just boards covered in cloth) in front of the shops with burning incense, candles and offerings of fruit and flowers. We asked our hotel owner (pictured below by the hotel pic) and he said we were very fortunate to have the opportunity to see this procession and that we would now be sure to have a prosperous and lucky new year. So we hurried back out and got a seat and waited. Soon a large light pavillion pulled by a tractor emerged, with crowds of people following. When it stopped near us, there was loud hindu music and the men who had been waiting along us smashed coconuts on the pavements, to destroy evil we were told. The men in the caravan recieved the offerings of the people. It was a delightful experience and I definately feel luckier.
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