Chhat Puja - a worship dedicated to one of the most ancient Gods of Hinduism, Lord Surya, the Sun-God. People, like this lady, might travel across the continent-size country to reach at least once the holy bank of river Ganga. To bath in the water that eradicates all past sins, and perform the ritual to fulfill secret wishes. Is it silly..? She has been preparing for the great ceremony; she has been fasting for three days. No food, and no water. Then, she came to here, way before sunrise, to lit a candle, sit, and pray. Only God knows what is in her mind right now; what memories,-painful and happy alike- might have arisen. Clearly, she is withdrawn. She is in her own world now, in the world of her sins that she wants to undress today, or of wishes she wants to accomplish. ......and in the moment when the sun,
Lord Surya Himself, appears above the dawn mist of the river, people jump up, hands straight towards Him, and welcome Surya with a shout that rises in one single moment from thousands of tongues. Then, those participating the ceremony marsh towards the cold water of Ganga. The long await is over. The last torture of coldness, and the hope of a new day gives a hope of a new life. Maybe without the old sins... I hope she made it; a restart.
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5 comments:
I was so enamored with the beauty of this city, the rituals, the Artii ceremony, the river slowly rolling by and the way that time seemed to stand still next to it. It was 1 year ago that I was there, and only for two days though I wish it could have been more. The sounds, the bathing, the mist, the color of the light, the river, the ghats, all conspired to make me believe that I was truly in a holy city.
It is upsetting to me that the river is so polluted and that the government does little or nothing to remedy that. I pray that this will change so that the river can return to its life-giving purity.
Touching. I hope I will be able to witness it one day.
P.S. your photos are a treat, as always.
no way is it silly...it is what we all yearn for
Catvibe: Indeed it is a mesmerising city. Even though that ancient culture is heavily spoiled by business and commercialization. And yes, the river is spoiled, too. As per my knowledge the government has spent millions of dollars to improve it, but, you know, it is not ONLY about the government.
-a-c-: Thanks a lot! If you have ever a chance to visit, do not miss it. It is something different... So vastly different to our culture that it shakes us up and shows, how many things we take granted, that actually are gifts or curses, and created by certain points of view. I was off in the past weeks, so I am also eager now to see your photos and read the poems!
qualcosa di bello: Indeed...
No it is not only about the government, although they could do a much better job with the sewage treatment, it is also about the corporate waste. I have hope that things will improve, it remains, without a doubt one of the most beautiful places on earth. You have captured it with perfection in your photos. I am in awe of your work.
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