Of Punjab, Patriotism and Popcorn

From Ahmedabad to Amritsar was the plan. And so the plan went ahead without any glitches. Everyone at some point would think Indian trains would delay and guess what, they didn't. Ok..maybe once. But in a span of 15 days with only one mistake? We can afford that, can't we.

I loved Punjab! I found it colorful. There was so much happening. And every other dude wore a turban. hehe.

After having been picked up by this driver to the hotel, which for some reason had a miserable water heater. 24 hours hot water supply we were told, but turned out to be something else altogether. After a quick shower, it was a ride to Wagah Border. 

Talk about Indian Patriotism...

I witnessed it first hand at the at the India-Pakistan Border otherwise known as Wagah Border. One side was cheering for India screaming "Hindustan Zinadabad" and on the opposite side of the gate there were the Pakistani females screaming "Pakistan Zindabad".

Pakistani Crowds

It was interesting to notice that the Pakistani female exuded way more enthusiasm then their male counterparts did. Whereas, where we were on the Indian side, the entire crowd never stopped to take a breather between their "Vande Maataram" and "Jai Ho".

Initially what I assumed to be National songs but were actually just songs related to Patriotism kept playing on and on. Some of the Indian women sitting at the stands were invited to dance in the middle. Women of all ages went forward to showcase their rhythms.

The dancers

Some women even volunteered to carry the tricolor and ran with it to and fro from the border gate. 60 year olds in their saris, mothers with their kids all running with the tri color - Truly Impressivo!

Once the flag is ended over to them, the women can hardly stop smiling. even this particular elderly woman who jog-walked her way with the flag without expressing an form of weary. She was fairly old.

I am not very patriotic when it comes to my own country. I never felt the need to feel connected to where I was born and bred. Hence it was truly a different experience to see the Indians and their love for their nation.

I did consider volunteering to run with the flag and later decided against it, for I assumed only Indian nationals were allowed. Which I realized was not the case when I saw a white lady partake in the celebrations whilst I could have done it too.

I can pass for an Indian. Most certainly can.

And thats how they make popcorns in India

Whats Amritsar or even Punjab if one hasn't witnessed the famous Golden Temple?

That will be in the next post.

Adios!