In the land arm that leads to the small island that hosts the Mosque of Haji Ali, in Mumbay, the encounters with penitents, mystics, yogis, Santones and Gurús occur.
Singular and popular characters, who have made the charismatic place their center for reflection, exhibition, penance or silly.
Most of them are serious, distant and even elusive. They remain seated to the side of the road and spend their hours immersed in their particular meditation, delivered to the silent prayer and apparently oblivious to the things of this world.
Although not all are so silent or so distant.
I met one, in particular, who enjoyed moving away from all solemnity. Looking in the eyes of the people. Openly talking about everything.
And letting themselves be assault by the joy of the street children, which always circulate, with freedom, from one point to the other of the busy Malecon.
Children know and respect him. And they love staying close to him. Touching his head and leaning on his back. And he allows it with a blessed normality.
Forming, all together, an image of mutual acceptance and shared joy. On the way to the Holy Place.
Pepe Navarro
