The first acquaintance. A mosque dzham-ma-masdzhid

you are: the First acquaintance

Early in the morning next day huge space between walls of the Red fort and mosque Dzham-ma-Masdzhid, all adjoining streets as all other streets Delhi, have been filled by the human sea. During the moment when Jack ' has been lowered ' the Union and the three-coloured flag of India is lifted on a flagstaff, the crowd has blown up exulting salutatory shouts. People embraced and shook each other hands. In Bombay people jumped in trams and went free of charge. In Calcutta they have flooded the governor's house as though have come on a visit to the uncle. It was their Bombay, their Calcutta, their governor's house. It was their India both their government. And their favourite Gandi and Nehrus should care of them. They did not have more fear. They had nothing to be afraid more of the British lashes, footfall of the British boots.

' As the Indian, - wrote later writer Krishan Chandr, - I have felt for the first time, that is free from century oppression, that huge weight has fallen down from my shoulders. I felt, that I can fly '.

... At daybreak on August, 15th, 1962 we were already standing: it was necessary to hasten, as ceremony begins early. Streets were filled with the celebratory crowd, many hurried up to the Red fort. When we have reached it, all lawns before it have been filled by people: one sat, having drawn in feet, is direct on a grass, other, more eminent visitors - diplomats have occupied the chairs established just opposite to a platform on the serf to a shaft with empty while a flagstaff.

The Crowd, naturally, has been recovered, acquaintances welcomed each other, exchanged words, did amateur pictures. Conviviality of conditions was created first of all by women. Black as smol hair has been attached to their bunches of a garland of an odorous jasmin. At each woman the red, green, dark blue paint of various shades deduces on a forehead a stain - tilak which burns as a star and one already gives to the person solemnity expression. Hands of everyone are decorated by bracelets - gold, silver, glass. On necks - heavy necklaces. And all colours of a rainbow sari - with thin graceful borders on edge or a wide gold border. The majority of men-in white national clothes or in kongressistskih frock coats and hats, someone - in the European dress.