Dobroye utro little Russia, aka Arambol

The holy cow, India's symbol of non-violence and piety, walks into Morjim beach out of nowhere in a sort of anti-climax for pre-Holi revellers, mostly Russians, who were reading the shack menus where steak was one of the priciest things.

The Russians tend to congregate at Morjim, Ashvem and Arambol in north Goa. The supermarkets in these parts — actually kirana stores with bright lights and card machines — stock all kinds of Vladimir's favourite snacks.

An one such supermarket at Arambol, a Russian man in loincloth and tattoos etched all over his reddish tan skin walks out in a hurry, holding a large polythene bag containing his supplies. The bag tears apart due to the weight. The cashier gives an apologetic smile and comes out with new bags. The man mutters something in Russian. The cashier seems to get a gist of what the man is saying. It does not sound pleasant.

After the man leaves, the cashier says, "His Holi items. He must be stocking up for the party. They party all day long."

Also see: Jaisalmer: If god was a banker, North Goa in a new bottle