Colourful Gujarati Pilgrims

Of the visitors to Dwarka from within Gujarat, city dwellers tend to visit on weekends, when they’re free from work, whereas villagers go at any time, according to their farming schedule. Villagers traditionally walk to Dwarka in groups, bringing beautiful ornate, brightly-colored flags of various designs. The groups present the flags to the temple and then perform the pious act of feeding a group of brahmanas. When pilgrims see their flags flown above the temple, they feel great satisfaction. (To change the flags, a temple worker must climb to the top of the temple spire. It’s a long way up—235 feet—and there’s usually a strong wind, but the workers don’t seem to mind.)