The next day

We were fast asleep and we did not know when Rao returned after the Rudram chanting. What we gathered later on was that there were 12 people who were supposed to recite. Some of them chewed on some 'bhang'

Is it like Marijuana? IT IS THAT.

"The traditional harvest and preparation of bhang occurs during the celebrations of Holi in March and Vaisakhi in April, hence associated with Lord Shiva. It has now become synonymous with Holi, to the point where consuming bhang at that time is standard practice".

This was first time to my shock, I heard this. It is legal!!! Anyway, since the priests were whacky, Rao lead the whole program - he was really blessed, I thought. What a custom? Two of the brahmin priest still looked dopey all day the next day. I lost all respect. Am I wrong?
We visited local Temples, had fresh milk and yogurt in the roadside stalls, did some shopping (no sarees this time). Over all we enjoyed two extra days relaxing and sometimes doing nothing. We had a long journey to Puri (Jagannath) ahead of us.

We departed Varanasi station on 25th to arrive at Puri on 26th. More adventures on this train journey. We were glad that our yatra was coming to a culmination soon.