India Part 2: Magic and Wishes On the Banks of the Ganges

One of my favourite places in India was Varanasi, the oldest continually inhabited city in human history. It has a magic about it because it is a bustling city full of colourful tuk-tuks, unique architectural touches, winding alleyways with hidden shops and ancient shrines hiding around each corner. Varanasi is right along the banks of the Ganges River, a holy place where millions of Hindu people make pilgrimages each year to worship, mourn and pray.

The Ganges River at Varanasi

We took a boat trip along the Ganges at sunrise and sunset. The river bank was a built up city on one side, but pretty natural on the opposite side, giving a wild contrast between concrete jungle and serene nature. I love nature, but the city side totally captured my attention and I was just enthralled watching all the activity. It was pretty much jam packed with people selling jewellery and nick naks, kids playing, people praying, random roaming cows and goats, meditating monks, people dunking themselves into the water fully clothed, and others lathering up with soap and washing themselves almost naked. There were also two sections of the riverbank reserved for funerals and cremations, where people's ashes were laid to rest directly into the river. This was all happening within the span of a kilometer or two. The full circle of life and death was all going on right in front of me as we sailed down that river... so powerful.

Bathers and city life

A shrine on the natural bank of the river across from the city
 

A heron shared the waters as well
 

Laundry was done in the river too

This is where the cremations take place
 

A prayer offering floating out to sea

Holy men make their homes on the steps

Others watch from above
 

It is a beautiful place for meditation and pondering life's great questions
 

 Nelson Mandela graffiti. Yes.

Lots of stairs... perfect place for lots of laundry

Women gathering to pray

Garlands for sale

Cows trying to blend in with the crowd
 

Holy Man



Night time on the Ganges. Everyone is gathered to watch an elaborate prayer dance

Raghu, our guide, preparing for the candle flower ceremony

 

We were meant to make a wish and then send our flower candle off into the river, but I had a hard time actually thinking of something to wish for. I've got to admit I was a bit stumped. That's when I realized that I've never been happier, and I'm so content with where my life is at the moment. I couldn't help but smile. So as I released my candle into the water, I sent out a few silent prayers for some dear friends who are going through a rough time, and put one silent wish for my future out into the universe...