A fascinating boat trip on river Ganga in Varanasi

 It was our first visit to the oldest 'living' city in the world. It felt familiar as we had seen many pictures and videos of Kashi. People ask me whether the city is clean and if the river water is clear? I would say yes!

 No we didn’t take a dip in the river. Anyhow, I have collected enough merit by bathing a number of times very early in the  morning at Rishikesh while attending a retreat organised and by Neema and Surya, our young gurus. 

In fact, as I bathed, I did see a sewerage pipe disgorging polluted water. Anyway it it was a bit away and a barrier protected the place we were bathing in. I calculated that the sewerage water would be carried away due to the current in the river and would not pollute our little pool of water! I would also take a quick hot shower immediately after my foray into the river! That is how we deal with things we cannot control! 

Anyway the boat ride was fun. The lights changed as we chugged along and I did try to capture a few images with my phone camera. 

My first view of  Maa Ganga 

As we stepped down a bit. It does look very clean! 

Not many people. The crowds would be there in the evening

A few random pictures as we took the boat ride!

I guess I need to read more about the buildings, its history.

The lone boat on the other side of the river. Surprisingly or thankfully no buildings!

That is what rivers are for! A swim would be great fun.

Hopefully the river dolphins are thriving!

under construction

We got off at this point for the much awaited Aarthi

As we waited for the boat.

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The guide, not seen fully, identified the various ghats and narrated a bit of its history and our escort is in front. 

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I was wondering  if staying in Varanasi for two full days was too long. 

I feel now even a week would also fall short. There is so much to see and ponder about the city, especially us who are born and live in this country.

My knowledge of Kashi's history was sketchy.  I understand now that the oldest city has a lot to offer and has survived some very tumultuous times. It is now clear India is again in a very critical period. 

It is Ugadi and I like to share greetings my friend Mohan sent me in Kannada. He has kindly translated it for me to English.

A new year resolve

Let’s be born at the dawn 

of this ever renewing eon 

With energy & vigour to go

New strength found 

Foundations laid strong 

Forgetting self and my selfish mine

Rejecting you, your vain & pelf

Embracing you to make a part of me

Setting aside divisions & to be free

Bitter would be the truth to face

Better tempered with some sweet to taste

Balanced we imbibe the ups and downs

Those moments to cherish and forgetful sorrows

Let’s be born at the dawn 

of this ever renewing eon 

With energy & vigour to go

New strength found 

Foundations laid strong

N.S.Mohan

Adding the original Kannada version. 

ಈ ಯುಗಾದಿಗುದ್ಭವಿಸು ನವಮಾನವ

ನವ ಚೇತನ,ನವೋಲ್ಲಾಸ

ನವನವೀನತೆಯಿಂದ

ಹೊಸ ಬುನಾದಿಯೊಂದಿಗೆ

ಹೊಸ ಸೃಷ್ಠಿಯತಾ

ಈ ಯುಗಾದಿಗುದ್ಭವಿಸು ನವಮಾನವ

ನನ್ನ ನನ್ನವರನೆಲ್ಲ ಮರೆತು

ನಿನ್ನ ನಿನ್ನವರನೆಲ್ಲ ತೊರೆದು

ಹೊಸ ಬಾಳ ಬಾಗಿಲಿಗೆ ಬಂದು ನಿಂತು

ನನ್ನ ನಿನ್ನವರನೆಲ್ಲ ಒಂದಾಗಿ ಕಾಣುತ

ಆಹ್ವಾನಿಸು ಸವಿಯಲು ನವ ಸ್ವಾಧವ

ಈ ಯುಗಾದಿಗುದ್ಭವಿಸು ನವಮಾನವ

ಬೇವಿನ ಕಹಿ ಕಡು ಸತ್ಯ

ಬೆಲ್ಲದೊಡೆ ನೀನದ ಸವಿ

ಸಮವಿರಲಿ ಜೀವನದೊಳು

ಸಂಯಮ ಸಾಮರಸ್ಯೆತೆಯು

ಜೀವನದೊಳು ಜೀವಿಗಳೊಡೆ

ಜೀವಿತದ ಹುರುಪನು ತಾ

ಈ ಯುಗಾದಿಗುದ್ಭವಿಸು ನವಮಾನವ

- ನಾ ಶ್ರೀ ಮೋ

Mohan’s hope that we begin anew in all respects in the new year is very timely. 

I do hope we forget the past ills and build a new India with new ideas and attitudes.

Happy Ugadi