Before the parade, we had the privilege of meeting 84 year old, Maharao (Hindu for Maharaja) Brijraj Singh. His family ruled the princedom of Kota from the 17th century to 1949 when India was granted independence from Britain. He is still revered and has served as great influence in his community and government affairs.
On this special occasion of Dussehra, turbans and finery were the dress of the evening at a reception to pay homage to Maharao Singh and his lineage.
We, American tourists, were ushered ahead to greet The Maharao. 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.
The Autonomous Traveler 