THE CITY WHERE GANGA SINGS.
It’s the end of February, the month of love and my love for travelling has pushed me towards another adventure. I decided to visit Rishikesh this time. The celestial city of Rishikesh is a hermit’s hermitage, a sage’s abode and an adventure lover’s hub. This lively city is one of the holiest places of Hindus. The tranquil and sometimes raging river of Ganga flows in eternity in this holy city, providing nourishment and life to many the earthly beings. After having a rendezvous with Rishikesh, the river Ganga leaves the Shivalik hills behind and flows into the plains of northern India.
I started my journey from New Delhi, I boarded my train (06:15 am) to Haridwaar which is so comfortable and well equipped with all the facilities. I reached Haridwaar around 2 o’clock and decided to book a taxi for Rishikesh. Rishikesh is connected with Haridwar, so it's easy to reach Rishikesh like I can take public transport or shared auto-rickshaw or personal taxi. I finally reached my destination around 3 pm and checked into the hotel. The hotels in Rishikesh are so tidy and well maintained. The view from my balcony made me fall in love in its first look, I lost myself in midst of nature the moment I saw the hills and the river flowing in between them made me lost in the view. In midst of the hills the way the sky looks during dusk and the rays coming out to touch the world was making me feel warm in between the chill weather I was lost in the view that I lost track of time, the moment I came back to my senses i realized it was already 6:13 pm and just realised this is why Rishikesh is known for its beauty.
In evening I went out for walk near the river and then have dinner. There are so many beautiful restaurants and dhabas where you can easily
find different and tasty cuisines and some restaurants offers Russian, American, French and Italian cuisines as well. Some restaurants which offer food along with the view of ganga which is so calm and beautiful.
After dinner I decided to take a walk along side the river. While walking down the coast, I read about concert which will showcase Mooji's Satsang and the name of the performing band is "Prem Lila". I thought to join the concert tomorrow. With the thought I went off to sleep.
The next morning, I woke up before the sun rise and approached towards Ganga for Yoga. I reached the ghats and took a bath in the Ganga, the moment water touched my body I could feel chills down my spine yet it was so refreshing then I settled my mat. And at that same time the sun started rising high in the blue sky and I felt sensation in my body because of the cool wind blowing towards Ganga and the morning sun rays touching my body it was the place that have different source of energy, which anyone can feel it . Now I understand why Rishikesh is called the city of yoga. After ending my surya namaskar I started walking in the banks of ganga towards the place where concert will be held, to my surprise it was a unknown place in between strangers but the way they welcomed me with a smile and it made me feel as if I am part of their family.
I'm not that guy who's interested in listening to satsang or in teacher. But if I describe about Mooji, so he is good Psychologist and kind man with open heart. I can say that he has pretty good experience and that I learn something new. In the end, they informed me that this singing program would be held in the evening. Then I left this place and went into a restaurant for brunch. After brunch I returned back to the hotel because the weather towards the afternoon is bit warm there. I finished my few deeds and then fall asleep. To my surprise when I opened my eyes i found that I was late for the concert. I jumped out from my bed and I ran for the concert. When I reached the place I saw that everyone lost themselves with song and i tried to find place to sit or stand. I looked around the auditorium to see if it was possible for me to get a place to sit but it was full of people even it difficult to find place for standing. The band was playing some Sufi and peaceful songs and every single person started clapping there hands synchronizing with the song. After the concert ended I went out and to watch ganga arti. Its all most 6:30 in the evening people started gathering near bank of ganga for the Arti where the weather was welcoming everyone with small shower of water and while writing this I could feel the moment in flashback and having goosebumps. Then Arti Begin with the Sankhnadh(with the voice of sankh).
I must suggest that once in lifetime everyone needs to see ganga arti live, because during the ganga arti you can feel that ganga accepting your words and sing along with with you. The water was so cold that after 1 min your legs become comfortable and automatically the body starts relaxing. I lost myself in the environment that even I couldn't feel the pain of my legs which was due to long standing and watching the concert. I was so relaxed that I wanted to sleep and nearly for 40 mins I slept standing and watchng the Aarti itself haha and then got my shoes and started to walk towards my hotel. It was already 9 oclock and people are walking near river Ganga after dinner. I reached my hotel and fell asleep immediately as I was tired with whole day standing. While laying on my bed I could feel my brain was calm no thoughts running across my mind. I can say it was something different feeling when your brain don't want to think and just enjoy your presence and you live present moment.
Next day I needed to take bus for next destination.
Next morning I woke up and follow same routine then had breakfast on Café with the view of ganga and then i decided to do some shopping for rest of the day and in the evening, I went to see ganga arti again.
In evening i took my bags from hotel, During check out hotel owner invited me for the tea with him and there is one group too. we had good conversation about yoga, rishikesh and about passion, this group were listening to me with so much of interest about my next destination and there history. I said everyone pranam(BYE). I booked rikshaw and reached bus stand.
I must suggest everyone should travel once in their lifetime to Rishikesh. The rishikesh city of yoga and the love for shiva . It's a place of endless energy and after being there you will reborn your self.
to be theree means you are into different world as you will find the source of energy which will inspire you to be a better version of yourself, to find meaning for your life, as we all know that we are living in a chaotic world where everyone around us is fake and we are living in a myth. But when you visit Rishikesh, you can find eternity of life which will bring peace to your soul and when you leave the place it will helps you to understand yourself. Hence I am signing off from this post, will see you in another post.
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