We are halfway through our trip and I can still remember every second of each day. Our day in Old Delhi is just as fresh as our experience at Hari ki Pari last night. In Hari ki Pari a ceremony occurs called Aarti in which people give offerings to the river Ganga. Seeing Aarti yesterday was amazing. It seemed more like an annual event and I find the fact that it occurs nightly unbelievable.
We got to stand on a bridge overlooking a portion of the Ganga. Below us, 10,000 people stood in prayer. The dedication and intensity that I saw on their faces is my new definition of faith.
The fact that everyone comes together each night and makes offerings and prayers to the holy river says so much about the people. Aarti at Hari ki Pari was unlike anything I have ever experienced, seen, or felt elsewhere. I am still in awe and look forward to what the rest of the trip has to offer.
What a beautiful experience, James. In your post and in Susie’s I see a similarity, and perhaps mentioning it will hone your observations. The practice of devotion, the mystical element in the lives of the people around you are outwardly practiced. There is a shameless physicality to their practices, kneeling, washing, singing, those things that bring their bodies into the act of devotion to God. How and when did we lose this in our Western world? Did we? As you said – this seemed to be on such a scale of a physical act socially coordinated that would be on par with an annual celebration in the US. As you continue your travels – try to contrast what you see – how does this impact their society to have it and ours to be without?
Thank you for sharing your thoughtful observations.
“One day Nankak was at Hardwar.. Some people were throwing water at the sun..offering water to their ancestors. Nanak turned in the opposite direction and said he was watering his field in Punjab…”
….. old sikh fable
Nanak said “Live your life by good deeds” .. not meaningless rituals.
Truth – Compassion – Contentment – Humility – Love.
When you get to the Golden Temple at Amritsar, make sure to eat the communal meal (langar)