Monkey, with human frailties, has a fan following in Varanasi

A monkey in the holy city of Varanasi, has acquired all the frailties of humans around, which has enabled the simian gain popularity of the local population and visitors to this pilgrimage centre.

By Girish Dubey

Varanasi, Aug.14 : A monkey in the holy city of Varanasi, has acquired all the frailties of humans around, which has enabled the simian gain popularity of the local population and visitors to this pilgrimage centre.

He is become a darling monkey of the residents of Dev Nagri near Sarnath here.

It is said that the closeness he shared with the human beings since his birth in this city may have made him learn many acts that he noticed in the people around.

Each morning the monkey goes to have his breakfast, riding his favourite hand-pulled bicycle rickshaw, to one particular tea stall. He eats just anything given by the customers. At times he enjoys sipping cold drinks.

Recently, he has developed a liking for "Paan" or the chewing betel leaf and tobacco, which is usually offered to him by customers.

Hari Narayan, the shopkeeper says: "This monkey drinks Pepsi, tea and eats Malai (milk crust). He considers himself to be a Nawab . He goes anywhere with anybody. He eats flour and "Paan" and enjoys taking rickshaw rides."

International tourists visiting the holy city, enjoy watching him .

Alica, a German tourist, said: "Such a friendly sweet monkeys are here in Varanasi. They are really calm. It's fun to watch them."

ANI