Those visiting India should have no pre-conceived ideas or prejudices and should open their mind to accepting certain apparent contradictions and to possibly lay aside normal rational thought processes. For India is, and always will be, the most irrational land on Earth.

Even though the waters of the Jamuna in Vrindavan is not exactly clean as it contains waste from New Delhi, it is believed to possess magical qualities that are capable of cleansing people of their sins.

A river cruise is often on a pilgrim’s agenda, one who comes here to the Holi-Festival. But haggling with the boatmen about the price and duration can often last longer than the trip itself. Vrindavan is a holy place for Hindus because God Krishna – who was born by a virgin - spent many years of his youth here. Many episodes of his life are revealed, stories of which the devoted pilgrims believe each and every word.

For many beggars, however, the festivities represent exhausting working days and they each hope for an increase in the generosity of the pilgrims during the festival. Those with a severe physical disability may expect a higher turnover. To maximise on the event, a good marketing strategy is necessary. It pays to be awake as long as possible as the hottest competition takes little sleep.

Some streets of Vrindavan can pose quite a threat. There are monkeys that specialise in the theft of spectacles. But this chewing of plastic parts is just a trick, particularly as the monkey simply wants food, after which it will return the glasses. But make sure that the food is good, otherwise there could be consequences.

The victory of good over evil, that too is the meaning of the Holi-Festival. It shows how important it is to believe in the right God, especially if you want to save your soul for eternity!