Hare hare, Rama rama

The part of Bangalore we stay in is very westernised. Even autorikshaws are not allowed in the street of our hotel. In between fashion stores with familiar brand names are many coffee places, good book stores and bars with pleasant terraces. The people here are evidently used to westerners, and we don't get so many uncomfortable stares. But of course we do look for a more Indian feel and decide to visit the modern Hare Krishna temple a bit outside the centre. The bus we take here is not really passing by the temple, but a friendly family walks with us in the right direction. We arrive at the moment the gate opens for the evening celebration. After a hefty security check and storing of shoes and day packs we are allowed to enter the long line to visit the temple. Before you enter the holy parts there are 54 lifted tiles you have to step up and sing/say out loud on each one of them 'Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare'. The repetitive chanting works very calming, but as soon as you get inside you are pushed and whistled to get on. Even at the stalls where they share a little free meal you are not allowed to linger. Within no time we are standing outside the gates again with a very mixed feeling. So much for spirituality...