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After the "priest", who is always from a lower caste, is transformed into a God, people who have watched the metamorphoses now make a queue to speak to him. He listens to them, one at a time, for hours, and dispenses advice, consolation, assurances or maybe just blessings - whatever is called for.

These rituals are most often performed in the dead of night in a sacred grove. This is not a show for tourists, nor is it theatre. For the people waiting hours to talk to this "priest", there is no "willing suspension of disbelief" -- they truly believe he has become a God.

It reminded me of Confession in the Catholic Church, or perhaps, given the costume, kids at Macy's waiting to ask Santa Claus for Christmas presents. It's all about belief.