Paying my respects

It was our first day in New Delhi, and right after a breakfast of masala omelets, we visited the tomb of a Sufi holy man.

We walked in to the tomb complex through a series of narrow alleys surrounded by adults and children crouching or standing alongside the walls, begging for money.

To enter the tomb, the men purchased small caps to wear as a sign of respect. The women covered their heads with scarves. We walked into a square filled with many people, and in the center was a square building. Inside was the tomb. Only men were allowed into the room that contained the vault, which was covered by a large cloth and many flowers put there as offerings. As the men entered the tomb to pay their respects, I felt the reverence in the sunny courtyard.

I didn’t know the history of this Sufi master, but looking at the faces of the worshippers and watching a trio of musicians playing traditional music, I felt a deep connection to the people gathered here, and immense gratitude for the opportunity to be on this trip. To be able to connect with people of other faith creeds and nationalities is just one of the things that draws me to pilgrimage each year.