Yesterday was the early day (leaving at 5:15). We took the 6:15 train to the city of Lucknow, which was a 6 ½ hour trip, before boarding a bus to the rally site. The rally was impressive. There seemed to be more women than men, but that may have been that the men sat in back and stood around the sides of the center seating. We were in a red and white striped tent. All the women were beautifully dressed. I am told they were mostly OBC (low caste people) and that perhaps some Dalits (untouchables) were present as well. The speakers spoke with such passion about the injustices of the caste system and of the bondage signified by red threads tied around peoples' wrists. The poor people go to the temple in order to be blessed by this thread, yet don't understand that the Brahman priest that ties it is speaking in an unknown language (to the recipient), that “just as we have put Baliraja into the ground in bondage, so we bind you into bondage with this thread”. There is then an offer to all who wish to be free from this “curse” to come forward for the thread to be cut. It is a beautiful and celebratory event and I cheer as loudly as anyone.
There is much singing of songs, most of which are known by the attendees. They are songs which are meant to empower the people and encourage them to dream their dreams, and renounce the caste system. Also, there is one song, written by Sunil Sardar (the founder of the Truthseekers movement) which glorifies Y'shua/Baliraja (sp) to the melody of a popular folk song. I really love that song.
Our group is introduced as having come from America to honor the lowest of the low. The oldest Dalit women are brought up first to the footwashing as they are absolutely the most oppressed people of India. Some protest as they feel quite unworthy. Some are confused as to what is happening. But, when an American kneels before them and lovingly touches their dirty, dusty, tired feet, something profound happens. You can see the appreciation and love and blessing on their faces as they reach out to touch your head in return of the blessing and when they rise to embrace you one-two-three and sometimes more times.
The rally yesterday was described as less emotional as some, yet I shed my fair share of tears. The first woman I had the privilege to serve, was small, old and tired. I lovingly caressed her feet, rinsing dust from her feet and up several inches of her little legs, as they were covered in the dust of the street. After I dried her feet, I asked for her shoes so that I could return them to her feet before I let them down on the ground. I was told by an Indian Truthseeker team member that there were “No shoes. No shoes”. I just wept and held her for the longest time. It was so moving.
Also, I met a woman who seemed to be quite on the ball about all that was going on. She sang the songs with gusto. She even made her way to the microphone to assist our team in singing! She had two children with her, a son and daughter:
The mother is the one on the right (in orange) with her dear friend (in pink). I never got her name, but you would think we were long lost friends. She dragged me to the very back of the tent to meet her husband, her friend's husband and her sister. Her enthusiasm was contagious. I loved it!
