VIII. INDIA – SUBCONTINENT OF DIVERSITIES, CRADLE OF EASTERN CIVILIZATION

DAY 99

99) TUESDAY, 4 OCTOBER 1977 : 56 KMS. - AMRITSAR

We left LAHORE heading out to PAKISTAN-INDIA border to cross to INDIA at the WAGAH border, no big problem on PAKISTAN side but we lost much time at INDIA side due to problem with the vehicle book - Carnet de Passage, that the custom officers  seemed  to look for problems  as there was a strikeout on it without seal and signature.  Besides,  it was searched throughout inside and outside of the campervan. They searched for engine registration number and  were fussy  on asking us to discharge almost the whole loading inside. 

WAGAH Border - Photo : alislam.org / google images search

I thought the  Sikhs officers  wanted to search for porn materials, if we had. I did not think about it before our departure from Germany to bring with us 2-3 copies to give as gifts for convenience  or  we might be charged of possessing such “illegal”  materials (in specific countries !) at the border.  We were asked  at almost every border crossing. Not sure if it was classified as an illegal document . I thought  it was officers’ personal  wish to have it for their own pleasures.  Anyhow, the officer  had seen a  can of deodorant  spray and kept asking and showing his gestures like to have it.  But we were annoyed of their questions and searching  that delayed our moving forward  so they got our negative reply  with the reason that we had to use it as well.

AMRITSAR Golden Temple - Phot : wikipedia.org / Bing images search

It took us about 3 hours till we could pass the border  and contined to  AMRITSAR,  where we arrived rather late in the evening.   We  walked  around the city, there were as many people as cows. They seemed  very poor as well.  We intended to visit inside the Golden Temple , which is located in the middle of the  large lake but we could not enter without  a turban covering our heads. So we missed the chance to visit inside and could have a look from outside.  I thought  to visit the temple after returning from KASHMIR.

 

Sikh pilgrim at the Golden Temple in AMRITSAR- Photo : wikipedia.org / Google images search

AMRITSAR  is the center of Sikh religion.  The Sikhs refuse to cut their hair and beards. The long hair will be knotted together in the middle of the head  according to the belief in their  prophet named Guru Nanak (1469-1538) that the hair and beard are a source of power.  I saw many turbans of various beautiful colors.

 

Sikh musicians - Photo : wikipedia.org / Bing images search

In front of the temple there were many beggars sitting on the ground.  I saw  women in this region  commonly carrying things on their heads like we saw in PAKISTAN and the nomads.

http://munichtomadras1977.blogspot.com