Source: www.business-standard.com
NEW DELHI, INDIA, May 8, 2010 (by Geetanjali Krishna): Delhi’s roads are capable of springing all sorts of surprises, I know. Even so, what we saw the other day was definitely in the realm of the unexpected. Sailing down Africa Avenue was a large rodent on wheels. On top, riding the rat, was a life-size statue of the elephant-headed God of good beginnings, garlanded with fresh flowers holding a crazily spinning chakra (wheel) in the left.
The driver, Kallu, loves all the attention he and his rat-shaped auto-rickshaw received. “Let me show you how ingenious this is,” said he, switching on the spotlights that fell on the Godly statue like a halo. A battery in the boot powered the music system and mikes, as well as the rotating chakra and the little motor that threw out flower petals from the statue’s palms. A large salver that was strategically screwed on at arm’s distance was obviously meant for offerings. “We are just returning from a big puja in west Delhi,” said he, adding, “All I’d to do was drive around the venue for an hour playing bhajans and entertaining the crowds!”
There was, he assured me, a great demand for his movable shrine. “Whether it is an all-night jaagaran, a prayer meeting or a Navratra celebration, we add an extra bit of interest to it!” he said.