The Boatman with the Flute

Scene 1: By the shore of Manasi-Ganga

One day, the gopis came to the shore of Manasi-Ganga, carrying pots of milk, butter, and yogurt on their heads. By the water sat a young boatman — his dark curls crowned with a single peacock feather.

Gopi Vishakha: Oh, boatman! How fortunate that you’re here! Please take us to the other side — we must hurry!

Radharani: And in return, we’ll give you sweets and butter.

The Boatman (Krishna in disguise): Of course, dear ladies! Step into My boat — I’ll take you wherever you wish!

The gopis climbed in, and the boatman began to row. But soon he suddenly stopped.

Scene 2: The Boatman’s Demands

Radharani (surprised): Why did you stop rowing?

Boatman: I’m tired and hungry. Unless you feed Me, I won’t move another stroke!

Lalita (indignant): You’ve rowed for two minutes and already want to eat?!

But seeing there was no other choice, Radharani sighed.

Radharani: Well, what can we do? We must cross. Fine — we’ll give you something to eat.

The gopis handed Him butter and sweets.

Krishna ate happily, licked His fingers, and leaned back lazily.

Boatman: Ah, that was delicious! But now I’m sleepy. I need to rest a bit. One of you can massage My left arm, another My right, the third My left leg, and the fourth My right.

Radharani (annoyed): Fine — one will hold your left arm, one your right, one your left leg, one your right. But if you don’t start rowing now, we’ll throw you overboard!

Boatman (grumbling): What impatient passengers! Very well, very well… we’ll go.

He reluctantly picked up the oars again.

Scene 3: Trouble on the WaterAfter a while, the boat stopped once more.

Lalita (irritated): What is it now?!

Boatman: The boat is overloaded! It’s old and leaking!

If you don’t throw out some of those heavy pots, we’ll all sink!

The gopis gasped and began tossing yogurt and butter pots into the water in panic.

Boatman (demanding): That’s not enough! The boat is still sinking! Throw out your golden ornaments too!

Lalita (outraged): What?! We should throw away our jewelry because of your leaky boat? Never!

Radharani (worried): Dear Lalita, what can we do? Look — the water’s rising! We really might sink!

Trembling, the gopis began to remove their ornaments and throw them into the lake. But the boatman continued to panic.

Boatman (dramatically): Oh no! Still too heavy! We’ll all drown unless you throw out everything — even your clothes!

That was too much.

Lalita (furious): We’ll throw you out if you don’t start rowing this instant!

Boatman (muttering): Fine, fine… I’m rowing! Always threatening to toss Me overboard…

He grumbled, but began to row again.

Scene 4: The StormSuddenly, dark clouds gathered over the lake.

Winds howled, waves rose, and water splashed into the boat. The gopis clung to each other in fear. Seeing their frightened faces, the mischievous boatman began to rock the boat even more.

Boatman (pretending to panic): Oh no! Now it really looks like we’re doomed!

A flash of lightning split the sky.

Terrified, Radharani screamed — and instinctively threw Her arms around the boatman’s neck.

At that very moment, the storm ceased.

The clouds scattered, the lake grew calm, and the moonlight danced on the waves.

Radharani slowly looked up — and understood who the “boatman” truly was.

Scene 5: The Reveal

Lalita (shocked): Radharani! Why are You hugging some strange boatman?! It’s improper!

Radharani (smiling): Are you sure he’s just a boatman?

She reached into His sash and pulled out a flute — and then pointed to the peacock feather in His hair.

Lalita (gasping): Ah! So that’s who You are! Krishna — You tricked us again!

All the gopis burst into laughter.

Scene 6: The Moonlit RideKrishna smiled, picked up the oars again, and gently rowed across the shimmering waters of Manasi-Ganga.

The gopis sang sweet songs in His praise, their laughter mingling with the night breeze.

Under the moonlight, their faces glowed with joy, and their hearts overflowed with love.

And so, on that night at Manasi-Ganga, the Lord of Love revealed once again His playful sweetness — turning fear into laughter, and devotion into divine joy.