“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”
Stranded en route to Gangtok by monsoon-triggered landslides, we detoured into the emerald expanse of the Dooars. From the graceful Coronation Bridge over the Teesta to the rustic charm of Lataguri and the buffalo-cart safari at Gorumara, every moment unfolded like a storybook. The Dooars turned a disrupted journey into an unforgettable encounter with nature and culture.
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.
The Chhinnamasta Temple, located in Rajrappa, Jharkhand, stands as a revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Chhinnamasta, an embodiment of power, courage, and wisdom. It captivates devotees with its unique architecture and tranquil, scenic location. Famous for its annual Rajrappa Mela during Navaratri, the temple also appeals to tourists with its historical and religious significance, waterfalls, and surrounding greenery. The temple is noted for its tantric connections, similar to renowned sites like Kamakhya Temple in Assam.
Our pilgrimage to Somnath Dham was a transformative experience blending history, spirituality, and serendipity. We eagerly visited the revered Somnath Temple, absorbing its rich legends and significance. An unexpected stop in Chorwad heightened our journey by tracing the birthplace of Dhirubhai Ambani. As we reflected post-aarti, the divine aura and resilience of the site resonated deeply, leaving us spiritually rejuvenated and profoundly grateful.
In Hindu tradition Triveni Sangam is the "confluence" of three rivers. Sangam is the Sanskrit word for confluence. The point of confluence is a sacred place for Hindus. A bath here is said to wash away all of one's sins and free one from the cycle of rebirth. One such Triveni Sangam, in Prayagraj (Allahabad) has two physical rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and the invisible or mythic Saraswati River. The site is in Prayag (Allahabad).
The Kumbh Mela, derived from a mythical pot of nectar, is a globally renowned Hindu festival. Originating from ancient Vedic scriptures, it revolves around a tale of gods and demons battling over immortality. Held every 12 years at four riverside sites, the festival's bathing rituals are believed to bring divine blessings. With millions of pilgrims, it is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
Hari means “Lord Vishnu”. So, Haridwar stands for “The Gateway to Lord Vishnu”. In order to reach Badrinath, one of the Char Dhams, with a temple of Lord Vishnu, Haridwar is a typical place to start a pilgrim’s journey. Therefore, the name Haridwar. Hrishikesh (हृषीकेश) is a name of Lord Vishnu composed of hrishika meaning ‘senses’ and Isha meaning ‘lord’, thus ‘Lord of the Senses’. The name commemorates an apparition of Vishnu to Raibhya Rishi, as a result of his Tapasya (austerities), as Lord Hrishikesha.
Gangasagar is a charming tourist destination, which attracts both pilgrims and adventure lovers. Nestled in one of the delta islands is Gangasagar. Also called Sagardwip or Sagar Island, it is one of the largest islands on the Ganges delta and holds immense religious significance. Gangasagar has acres of silver sand and clear blue sky, and the calm sea to spend the time in tranquillity.
