I had always wondered what it would be like to wade through the unpredictable currents of life and accept every outcome with the innocence of a child. I had secretly wished to recognise the signs of the universe and understand its sublime language. Maybe, that was why I decided to bid my mechanical life goodbye. One day, I quit my job and found myself admiring the early morning sun brightening the Himalayan skies. Sipping chai and feeling alive, I was ready to embark on a remarkable journey. The River Ganges and the course of her flow became my sole guide. I knew nothing of her magnificent legends or her religious significance, yet the enriching experience along her course left me wiser.
The first stop was Gangotri–the birthplace of the Ganges. The virgin-white glaciers surrounded by the majestic snowy mountains made for a seamless sight. The air was painfully chilly and the sun comfortingly bright. Through the synergy between the cold and the warm, rose her miraculous soft waters. This vision of purity seemed to cleanse my soul.
My next stop was Rishikesh–a serene, laid-back town with its quintessential yoga ashrams and healing centres. Just being there calmed my nerves and made me feel at ease. Juxtaposed to this mystical aura were cafes, water sports arenas and camping spots for travellers from across the world. Contrary to Rishikesh was my next destination Haridwar. The town was as chaotic and crowded as it was vibrant. Colourful and festive with its many temples and ghats, this pilgrim’s paradise sent me into euphoria. As I spent my days in Haridwar, it was as if I was a witness to a river’s journey through two adjacent towns strikingly different from each other, uniquely expressing their spirituality.
“I realised that worldly experiences, mostly perceived by the senses, need not be the source of happiness or sadness in life. One should look inward to find perpetual joy. For this self-discovery, my stop at Varanasi became an unforgettable experience.”
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