Paris, known as the “City of Lights,” is also a city filled with mystery and wonder. Recently, a strange occurrence has captured the attention of Parisians and tourists alike: a possible case of a monkey blessing on the streets.
What is a monkey blessing?
A monkey blessing, also known as the monkey god blessing or the Hanuman Chalisa blessing, is a Hindu tradition where a monkey is blessed with holy water and a red tilak (a mark on the forehead).
This is believed to bring good luck, fortune, and protection to those who witness the blessing.
While monkey blessings are common in Hindu-majority countries such as India, Nepal, and Bali, they are a rare sight in Western countries. However, recent reports suggest that Paris may have witnessed a monkey blessing on its streets.
The reported sighting
According to eyewitnesses, a monkey was seen sitting on a street corner in the 5th Arrondissement of Paris, holding a bowl of water and a red tilak on its forehead.
The monkey was surrounded by a small crowd of people, who were watching in awe as the monkey blessed itself with the water and applied the tilak.
The monkey then proceeded to offer the bowl of water and the tilak to the people in the crowd, who eagerly accepted the blessings. Some even reported feeling a sense of calm and positivity after receiving the monkey’s blessing.
The reactions
The reported monkey blessing has sparked a mix of reactions from Parisians and tourists. Some are skeptical, dismissing the sighting as a hoax or a publicity stunt.
Others are fascinated, seeing it as a rare and unique experience that highlights the diversity of cultures and traditions in Paris.
One Parisian, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “I’ve lived in Paris my whole life, and I’ve never seen anything like this. It just goes to show that there’s always something new to discover in this city.”.
The possible explanation
While the reported monkey blessing remains a mystery, some experts suggest that it may have been a performance by a street artist or a spiritual practitioner.
Others speculate that it may have been a wild monkey that wandered into the city and began performing the ritual on its own.
Whatever the explanation may be, the reported monkey blessing has sparked a renewed interest in Hindu traditions and beliefs among Parisians and tourists, and has highlighted the increasing cultural diversity and acceptance in the city.
What’s next?
As of now, there have been no further sightings of the monkey in question, and the reported blessing remains an unexplained phenomenon.
However, the incident has raised questions about the role of traditional beliefs and practices in modern society, and the importance of cultural exchange and understanding.
Whether or not the monkey blessing was a real phenomenon, it has certainly captured the imagination of those who witnessed it, and may serve as a reminder of the magic and mystery that can still be found in the world today.