Southern States - Karnataka-Bangalore   

It was more than religion

By Our Staff Reporter

A view of the chariot procession. Photo: K. Bhagya Prakash.

BANGALORE Sept. 8. Towering over the expanse of Shivajinagar, the spire of St. Mary's Basilica has become the focal point of a large number of Bangaloreans for the past nine days. The crowds thronging the Basilica premises tell a story of a strong faith, which often cuts across the "Christian'' tag attached.

For instance, it was more than religion that drew the three generations of Hindu women from Sivan Chetty Garden as they offered their prayers and watched the chariot with Mother Mary's image being drawn through the streets on Monday.

Kamalamma (50), daughter Sunita (28) and granddaughter Monisha (6) were among those patiently waiting in line to enter the church and pay their obeisance. They stood out in their normal clothing among the crowd of men, women and children clad in ochre clothes, a tradition during the Feast of St. Mary here. Shy at first, they explained that along with Christian neighbours, they visited the Basilica during the festival every year.

For many families, it is also an occasion to visit the small lanes around Old Poor House Road and Russell Market to shop for dresses and trinkets. The articles here are sold at reduced prices but with all the atmosphere of a ``sale'' in the more upmarket department stores. Then there are the wayside eateries and the small cafes, offering everything from charcoal grilled kebabs to brightly coloured soft drinks that have no brand names.

There is something remarkable about the chariot procession too. The chariot passes through several areas inhabited predominantly by Muslims. Like others, they too come out to gaze reverently at the procession. The place now stands as God's masterstroke on inter-community life.

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