A very cloudy Sunday morning, Navratri reaching its final day and the auspiciousness of Ram Navami festival. Most temples in Nairobi had a day full of programs to mark the holy occasions yet I decided to skip attending the prayers in Nairobi and joined the Hindu Council of Kenya convoy to Machakos to attend the inauguration of the Hindu Sanatan Mandir.

A beautiful scenic drive with droplets falling over at intervals, passing through the low clouds, witnessing the herds of cattle at several farms on the way we finally reached our destination after the long drive to another county. We arrived at the Mandir site while it was raining and somewhat got drenched in the process of disembarking from our van and walking towards the tents where the chairs had been placed.

Soon after we got seated at the front rows of the crowded tent of hundreds of devotees, The Indian High Commissioner also arrived to a loud cheer from the people of Machakos. The program commenced and after the formalities and speeches by all the dignitaries and the stage entertainment the Mandir was inaugurated by Sujata Ji and Madam Khampa. We all joined along in the inaugural prayers and then left back for Nairobi after a light fasting food meal (farari).