Our plan was to leave from Massorie to Shimla. But Balajee, a big Beatles fan, had s stupid dream where he saw himself walking on the streets of Rishikesh with a Beatles T-shirt on. So we just had to live the dream and we ended up in Rishikesh. I am so glad that he had the dream, we were so close to missing the great Rishikesh.
One evening we went to Swarg Ashram, where Ganga Aarti is conducted every evening. Beautiful green hills in the backdrop, rapidly flowing River Ganga, the Ram Jhula bridge across the river, a temple on the banks of the river, a big snow-white statue of Lord Shiva on a built wooden island, devotees and travellers sitting on the steps of the bank facing the Shiva statue, Bhajans and hymns being sung with quivering voices accompanied by the excited clapping of hands, religious fervour is in the air and the devotion is palpable - "Religion is the opiate of the masses".
Even to me, an atheist, the Ganga Aarti ceremony was a strong impressive experience. I was sitting there and couldn't help becoming a part of the singing and clapping. You don't have to be a believer to be a part of this experience. It moved me to see such doubtless faith, devotion, helplessness and expectancy in the eyes of the people. If the idea of God will give some hope and peace of mind to the believers, then maybe it is not such a bad idea after all.
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I'm so glad you had that experience - it must've been unreal! :) I do hope I get to be a part of something like that cuz I can only presume that's the true meaning of religion and being religious, not the kind I'm used to seeing.
Loving ur travellogues btw..! :)
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