A Pilgrimage Special: A Respite From Pilgrimage Activities

Bodhgaya in Bihar state is about 105 km by road from Patna. Crossing the Phalgu River into the dilapidated looking town, we were told that Lord Buddha had walked across the river to the site of his enlightenment. The river at that moment looked like it could be walked on but in India, during the wet rainy season, the water could rise and the river could well burst at its seam. We had reached Bodhgaya just before night and the sky was dimming slowly. It turned dark when we reached Hotel Sujata and there we were given a grand welcome. For the frist time, we were garlanded with marigolds and offered a welcome drink. After washing up, we had dinner and our leader forbade anyone to leave the dinner table after that. Oh! There was going to be a surprise birthday party for five lovely ladies born in December. How thoughtful! 
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A Garland for Each Pilgrim...


A Sumptuous Dinner...
A Birthday Cake...
For Five Lovely December Ladies...