“A fool indeed is he who, living on the banks of the Ganga, seeks to dig a little well for water.”
The ancient kingdom of Gangaridai, located near the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, captivated Greek and Roman civilizations with its military strength and naval prowess. Known for its formidable war elephants, it deterred conquerors, including Alexander the Great. Archaeological finds in Chandraketugarh reveal its sophisticated culture and vibrant trade networks, highlighting Gangaridai's significant yet often overlooked role in early Indian history and commerce.
Varanasi, a timeless city on the sacred Ganga, captivates visitors with its historic ghats and temples. A trip included a visit to Kashi Vishwanath temple and an evening cruise on the Ganga aboard the Alaknanda luxury liner, offering breathtaking views and the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti. The experience also encompassed exploring Ravidas Ghat and witnessing the city's rich cultural heritage. The day ended with a memorable Ganga Aarti and a peaceful float of a Floating Diya. The Alaknanda Cruise provided a unique perspective of Varanasi's iconic ghats, offering a tranquil escape from the lively streets, concluding with shopping, a temple visit, and a delightful dinner before departing for Ranchi.
On a January morning in 2003, the sacred city of Varanasi became the backdrop for a transformative spiritual experience for the author and their companion, Jagrata. They sought initiation, or Diksha, from their revered Guruji, marking a new chapter in their spiritual lives. Immersed in the Ganga, they received a sacred mantra and committed to practices like Sandhyavandanam, establishing a profound connection with the divine that has nurtured their journey for years.
Chandraketugarh, an ancient archaeological site in West Bengal, was once a bustling trade hub dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Named after King Chandraketu, the city flourished till the 12th century CE. Boasting artifacts and structures from various civilizations, it showcases a blend of indigenous Indian culture and influences from Greece, Persia, and Southeast Asia. Chandraketugarh, also possibly the ancient capital of Vanga and the kingdom of Gangaridai, remains a mystery due to inadequate research and awareness. The West Bengal state government established a museum in 2017 to protect its artifacts.
Durga Puja in India transforms the atmosphere into a vibrant celebration of the Goddess Durga, embodying divine feminine power. A personal experience in Varanasi highlighted the city's rich traditions and spiritual energy, driven by family connections and rituals like Kumari Puja. This journey created cherished memories filled with devotion, joy, and cultural heritage, while anticipation for the upcoming festivities stirs emotions once more.
Kolkata's rich cultural heritage is reflected through its landmarks such as the iconic Howrah Bridge and Hooghly River, both deeply intertwined with the city's history. The Hooghly river, a key distributary of the holy Ganga River, was vital for establishing several international trade settlements including the East India Company's base, Calcutta. Several sites of historic and cultural significance, including the Howrah Bridge, the Nimtala Crematorium, and Belur Math, reside along the river's banks, making a river cruise an immersive experience into Kolkata's past and present.
In January, we attended a wedding in Varanasi and fulfilled my mother's wish to bathe in the Triveni Sangam during Mauni Amavasya. This brought back memories of our 2013 pilgrimage to the Maha Kumbh Mela. The Mela, recognized by UNESCO, attracts millions seeking spiritual purification. Our experience was enriched by the inclusive participation of the Kinnar Akhada. The massive event showcased a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, leaving a profound impact on our spiritual journey.
Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj is a sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, drawing pilgrims for centuries. It symbolizes the unity of spirituality and nature, especially in winter when migratory Siberian seagulls enhance its beauty. The site faces ecological threats, reminding visitors of the need for conservation. Triveni Sangam offers a profound encounter with faith, nature, and the importance of preserving this sacred ecosystem for future generations.
A river in New Zealand has become the first in the world to be legally recognised as a living entity and granted the same rights as a human. The sacred river will be granted all the corresponding rights, duties and liabilities of a legal person after a 170-year battle led by a local Maori tribe known as the Iwi. Rights of Nature or granting legal personhood to nature may finally provide balance in legal systems around the world that tend to view nature as only an economic resource for humans.
Makar Sankranti is about nature, energy of the sun, harvest of new crop, and progress of mankind. It marks the end of Malmaas, an inauspicious month in the Hindu (Panchang) calendar, and the transition of the Sun to the zodiacal sign of Makar (Capricorn) to herald a change in season.
