Along the Ganges' concreted promenade, we saw many glittering bow-shaped structures being carried on shoulders, or in states of being decorated, like these ones. We were informed that water bottles sit concealed inside the basket-like framework at each end - and indeed, there were plenty of empty plastic bottles for sale nearby. These bottles contain water ritually taken from the Ganges, and will be carried back to the pilgrim’s home, wherever that might be in India.
It was noticeable that pilgrims had come in groups and come from afar, to attend the Khumbh Mela festival which takes place in Haridwar every 12 years. The people in this picture, especially the squatting woman, have the complexions of South Indians. They have come a long way.
Once the structures were fully decorated, they were paraded, their bearers often singing or chanting. No those aren’t umbrellas crossing the bridge in the background – they are the colourful water bearers. I believe Kumbh means ‘pitcher’ and Mela means “meeting / gathering”, so they seem to suggest the symbolising a traditional water-gathering ritual. (if anyone knows more about this, or the name of these structures, do let me know. My online research hasn’t been fruitful...)
Nearby, a young white guy converses with a couple of holy men, no doubt on spiritual matters.
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