Pomp and circumstance

I don't really understand my religion sometimes. My father walked in, asking me if I wanted to go to the temple last night. At midnight. I didn't know what to say, so I agreed, and we left.

We got there, and I was stunned to see hundreds of people streaming in and out. Apparently, some sort of big holiday was here. So we take off our shoes and go in.

My father handed me a five, and I put it in the charity box and prayed before the altar. My father told me to pray for what I wanted, to pray for my good fortunes and to have my wishes come true. I only prayed for one thing.

We got up, and went to sit and I guess take in the music and find some sort of spiritual fulfillment. I sat there, staring at this statue of Durga Maa,
Not really sure what to feel or say. I basically had an internal dialog with myself, or God, or I don't know. I basically say there, and continued my prayer. Which is unsual for me. I'm not a religious person at all. In fact, most aspect of religion sicken me. But last night, I sat there, and made my plea to God.

Some other ceremonies followed. I had some holy string or something tied around my wrist. I had a red mark placed on my forehead. I was blessed by a priest. I didn't really understand what was happening.

Finally, a priest handed me an apple. I asked my father what the apple signified. He told me that it was a blessing from God, that by eating it, I was taking the blessing from God and it would extend the prayers I had made in the temple. So when I got home, I polished off the apple, and ate it.

I don't know what happened last night. It was sort of surreal. A real blur.