November 3, 2024
Another early morning as begin our overland journey of 6 hours to the spiritual capital of India: Varanasi, the divine heart of the Mother Ganges. Hindus consider it one of the holiest places in the world, and as such, it draws millions of pilgrims each year looking to wash away their sins and cremate loved ones in this sacred river. Cremation, in particular, isa very common practice here because Hindus believe that spreading their ashes in the holy waters will end their cycle of reincarnation, gifting them with their final death. Varanasiis one of the oldest cities in the world and has an intense, palpable atmosphere of spiritual devotion. Pilgrims from every part of India crowd the narrow streets and the riverside ghats.
Along the way we stopped at a cafe that had fun street art. For our tea break we stopped along the highway and our conductor brewed chi tea in one of the bus compartments.
As the day came to a close, we headed to the bathing ghats, a series of steps that lead tothe sacred River Ganges. People flock in large numbers every day to bathe and worship in the temples built beside the riverbank. After taking in our surroundings on land, We climbed down mud covered steps across a wooden plank to boarded a boat for a unique vantage point from the water to absorbing the timelessness of Varanasi. We went close to the sacred site where Hindu’s prepare the bodies of their loved ones for cremation. After blessing the body with the water of the Ganges they take it to one of the creation sites and pile wood on the body then light the fire with the sacred fame. This is an honor that ensures that they will not be recreated.
To lighten the mood a bit our guide told us that politicians are recreated as mosquitos!!!
We continued to cruise the banks of the Ganges until the sun set, then we watched as temple priests begin performing aarti, the sacred light ceremony, on the banks of Mother Ganga. We were surrounded by pilgrims who were experiencing a sacred, once-in-a-lifetime Hindu rite.
We each lit a small floating ceremonial candle and prayed then sat them in the water. I felt a letting go of the grief and anger I have felt for way too long.
Absolutely a “Best Day Ever…so Far” but not for the crazy adventurers that normally feed my soul but for the spirituality that is reawakening in me.
