Who could have even imagined that the simple act of standing in water, would evoke such emotion, yet here i was delighted, with a huge smile on my face, tears trickling down my cheeks, I feel blessed to be here.
But I am in Rishikesh, and this is the Ganges, the holiest river for Hindus, the water is cool, I close my eyes and take in the experience. The rolled up hem of my trousers is going from khaki to forest green as the water seeps in. Flowers and candles ride the ebb and flow of river, the night is heavily scented with incense, oils, sweat and a smoky haze hangs heavy in the air
It is the end of the evening, I was with hundreds of others at Triveni Ghat to see the nightly Ganga Aarti performed at dusk. Devotees from a large ashram leading the vibrant ceremony, orange robes, flowing hair and bushy beards. Beads around their necks bounce and swing as they lose themselves in the rhythmic singing and chanting , bells chime and drums keep time. The energy was invigorating, a mix of pilgrims, yoga devotees, gurus, tourists and travelers all enjoying the celebration. Your legs numb from sitting cramped up on the tiled area, shifting position and trying not to invade someone’s personal space. Fire ceremonies and embers burning, smoke wafts around us around us.
There are still crowds of people, but i feel oblivious to them, this moment is mine, tears…smile…blissful.
Nobody else in my group understood my reaction, I had no religious connection with this river, why would I weep?….but then our Hindu tour leader embraced me in a hug, he got it.