On the way to the Aquaterra rafting camp above Rishikesh, we stopped at Haridwar, one of the holiest cities of Hinduism. Haridwar is one of the sites where the Kumbh Mela is held every twelve years - million of people attend at that time. In the photos here, you can see the ghats on the side of the river, from where people can enter the river for ritual bathing. The other photos show vendors selling kumkum powder, arranged in nice heaps and you can also see a store selling bangles and other assorted accessories - two women in colorful dresses are checking out the store. At all times, there is religious music playing the background - but of a different kind - instead of normal bhajans, there are disco bhajans going on at full volume - I guess this is a way for the younger generation to get interested in buying this music (???). The usual assortment of cows and plastic bags are everywhere.
While we were at Aquaterra, we ventured down to Rishikesh for an evening. We had to cross the Ram-jhula to get to the ceremony (literally a swinging bridge which threatens to fall into the river at any time).
It was a very nice venue on the side of the river. The sun was setting and the different hues of orange and yellow and red created a nice reflection in the water.
Our intent was to see the aarti where people light diyas/chiraghs and send them floating down the river as an offering to the gods. What we actually saw was a Bollywood-like production, seemingly set-up for tourists. Even the pandits are getting into the tourist game! Apprentice pandits (about 10-15 years old) conducted the prayer ceremony, which was followed by the entrance of about a 100 younger apprentice pandits (7-9 years old) identically and smartly dressed in saffron, who proceeded to sing several songs with gusto.
Quite an unexpected experience (and somewhat touristy), but colorful and entertaining for sure.
-Dev
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