Re: Re: A new cult in the making

From: Roderick and Ellen Robertson <rjremr_at_...>
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2002 08:53:50 -0700


> > http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/919_19124,001800010001.htm
> >
>
> This link is dead. Got another one?

Since this is a newspaper website, it was probably only a one-day (or week) article, so here's the full text:

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 English God promises sex and luck
Alka Rastogi
LUCKNOW, July 17

After lying buried in a grave near Lucknow for 145 years, an Englishman has been 'discovered' to have supernatural powers. Local people are today flocking to the site with hopes of having their most cherished wishes fulfilled.

Devotees of Captain F. Wale, a British officer who raised and commanded the First Irregular Sikh Cavalry and was killed at Lucknow Residency during the mutiny of 1857, bring an interesting assortment of goodies as offering - fruits and flowers are being supplemented with liquor, cigarettes and meat. The Cult of the Gora Baba (as the dead Englishman has fondly been re-christened) has its own hymns and prayers in honour of the newfound deity.

The 'mazaar' became a centre of attraction after rumours spoke of accused in criminal cases related to murder, dacoity and arson being miraculously let off after offering paryers to the European 'god'.

The fact that Englishmen are by and large known to have a great appetite for sex has done Wale's fast-growing reputation no harm. Those looking for forbidden pleasures of the flesh are the most recent converts to the cause. Sakina, the self-appointed caretaker of the mausoleum, makes no bones about where the devotions lie: "We have learnt that the Captain was very fond of drinking, smoking and sex."

In fact so inspiring are the stories that one Ram Singh, fighting his son's conviction by the Sessions Court, is said to have recently offered biryani to seek Wale's divine grace. This despite being a confirmed vegetarian for life. Tantriks too have been perpetuating the myth by advising nymphomaniacs to visit the Englishman's grave for unlimited pleasures. Childless women have taken to offering coconuts for being blessed with motherhood.

The once desolate grave, located in the middle of the picturesque ruins of Mossa Bagh, a palace garden during the reign of Nawab Asaf-ud-daula, now wears a festive look. The merrymaking is especially loud on Thursdays - considered an auspicious day for supplications.

While it would be no consolation to the long-departed Englishman, the-Wale mania has at least ensured that the British legacy lives on in one little corner of India.

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