The epi-centre of Hardiwar’s Ganges devotion is this ghat near the clock tower, for the nightly ritual known as Kar-Ki_Pauri. “The evening prayer(Aarti) at dusk offered to Goddess Ganga at Har-Ki-Pauri (steps of God Hara or Shiva) is an enchanting experience for any visitor. A spectacle of sound and colour is seen when, after the ceremony, pilgrims float diyas (floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river, commemorating their deceased ancestors. Thousands of people from all round the world do make a point to attend this prayer on their visit to Haridwar”. (thank you Wikipedia)
We purchased our way into the area, leaving our shoes at the check-in, and were ushered to the river’s edge to take puja – the blessing by a priest. Raji holds the small leaf basket of offerings which is gradually filled with petals and rice. We stand ankle deep in the sacred waters and recite Sanskrit words after our casually-attired young priest. Our foreheads are anointed and a further requisite offering of several hundred rupees is made…
… before our offerings set sail alone on the Ganges. We thought we’d see far more of these, but we figured many pilgrims are saving theirs until the more auspicious dates.
As evening set in, we waited and watched the place light up like Disneyland. The Indians love their fairy lights.
Eventually the ritual took place, with chanting and waving torches. I was seated right amongst the eager crowd; the only non-Indian there. So much happened already, and I’d only been in India for 24 hours. It was one of the most stimulating days of my trip; even my life.
We purchased our way into the area, leaving our shoes at the check-in, and were ushered to the river’s edge to take puja – the blessing by a priest. Raji holds the small leaf basket of offerings which is gradually filled with petals and rice. We stand ankle deep in the sacred waters and recite Sanskrit words after our casually-attired young priest. Our foreheads are anointed and a further requisite offering of several hundred rupees is made… 
… before our offerings set sail alone on the Ganges. We thought we’d see far more of these, but we figured many pilgrims are saving theirs until the more auspicious dates.
As evening set in, we waited and watched the place light up like Disneyland. The Indians love their fairy lights.
Eventually the ritual took place, with chanting and waving torches. I was seated right amongst the eager crowd; the only non-Indian there. So much happened already, and I’d only been in India for 24 hours. It was one of the most stimulating days of my trip; even my life.
No comments:
Post a Comment