Every year in November, in the town Pushkar, camels are presented in all their splendor, standing lush and tall, well-groomed and tamed, dancing to the commands of their master. It is a sight to behold for all those present at the festival.
But where do these camels come from? And how is their strength put under submission to the men that own them? Although the display of these camels can be delightful and wonderful to watch, the measure by which these camels are conquered is not so.
Being naturally wild, and having adapted to surviving in hot, dry desert climates, camels run freely across the desert sand facing little to no resistance. The demeanor of a camel running across the desert displays one of a free spirit; a creature with no restrains. And yet, a camel is broken and brought into submission for the sake of trade.
The process begins when members of the tribe identify a young camel that fits into their requirement. Three or four men begin to chase it in hot pursuit. A determined attempt is made to bring it down. The men catch up to the camel, shrieking and shouting, mimicking a battle cry, and pull it down to the ground. What follows are minutes of intense struggle between the men and the camel until one side finally surrenders.
The master grooms the camel, shaving hair from different parts of its body to leave a mark of his choice, and decorates it with colored clothing. Thick rings are inserted through the camel’s nostrils. The process is painful and the camel has to bear it all, it’s spirit wholly broken. It submits to its master.
From this point on, the camel obeys its master unconditionally. It is said that the submission of a camel to its master is such that it even shares the same emotions as the master. Breaking a camel’s spirit is necessary to form a bond between the camel and its master. It is only through its brokenness that the camel’s vigorous power is put to use.
It is also by this sheer obedience and discipline, that camel traders are able to present their camels – decorated and groomed – in a way that is appealing to buyers. The masters shape their camel, displaying the beauty of these great, majestic creatures, that have been made meek and soft.
It is truly a breathtaking sight, watching a camel dance to the tune of his master, but it is vital to remember the painful measure by which a creature of such great strength is brought into submission.
Yet, there is a lesson to learn from its struggle and pain.
Even as human beings, we understand it is necessary to bring raw strength under control and discipline. It is the meek, the ones who learn to submit their strength to a greater purpose, through many painful trials and unpleasant circumstances, who have the power to do extraordinary things for the betterment of those around them.
It is in brokenness, that one’s purpose can be brought to light.
