Before the parade, we had the privilege of meeting eighty-four-year-old Maharao (Hindu for Maharajah) Brijraj Singh. His family ruled the princely state of Kota from the 17th century to 1949. He is still revered and has served as a significant influence in his community and government affairs.

On this special occasion of Dussehra, turbans and finery were the dress of the evening.

We, American tourists, were ushered ahead to greet The Maharani. He was kind and gracious and seemed genuinely glad to meet us. Our tour guide had arranged this special moment, and it was yet another great memory of the trip.