Sunrise over the Ganges River
Perhaps nowhere else do life and death coexist so closely! I strolled along the sandstone-paved sidewalk, the pungent smell of urine rising from the walls mingling with the acrid smell of burning smoke billowing from the river. Later I learned it was an open-air crematorium. The Dashashwamedh Ghat (ghat in Hindu means steps leading down to the riverbank) was always the busiest place in Varanasi. While Hindu priests sat meditating in secluded corners, scattered here and there, pilgrim families immersed themselves in prayer by the sacred river. Devoted prayers mingled with mournful cries beside the crematorium. At the water's edge, the rhythmic pounding of wooden pestles by diligent laundrymen echoed like the beat of time itself. Each person went about their task, calmly and coldly detached.
Along the path down to the riverbank were makeshift tents covered with tarpaulins, belonging to priests who taught yoga and fortune-telling. They wore only loincloths, their faces obscured by beards and hair, adding to the mysterious and eerie atmosphere. My personal experience taught me that to avoid being drawn in, one should steer clear of areas where many priests are gathered. I only approached those sitting alone, asking permission to take photos, which, of course, cost a fee for this cooperation.
The Ganga Art River Worship Ceremony
There are many rituals on this sacred river. I focused my attention on observing and filming a routine but extremely important ceremony: the river worship ritual called Ganga Aarti.
At 4 PM, preparations begin, such as sweeping and laying carpets, and setting up ceremonial tables along the Dashashwamedh Ghat pathway. This is the nightly offering ceremony, performed by the pandits, with rituals of offering earth, water, fire, and flowers to Mother Ganges… To secure a prime spot, I had to sit still at the first ceremonial table for four hours. The pandits were initially annoyed, but they gradually became more friendly. By dusk, thousands of devotees had crowded Dashashwamedh Ghat. They looked exhausted and weary, but also very eager and excited.
Offerings
At 7 PM, as the prayers resounded, the priests simultaneously waved their fly whisks, drawing streaks of light against the darkening sky. To the sound of music, prayers, and incantations, they performed the ritual of offering the purest things to the deities, such as incense, flowers, and candles.
It's safe to say that this deeply religious ritual is well worth experiencing when you set foot on the banks of the Ganges River. To some, it's a polluted river, but to others, immersing themselves in the Ganges will cleanse them of all sins. They dream of being cremated and scattering their ashes here, with the strong belief that their souls will find eternal rest. I now understand why Hindu devotees always dream of visiting the holy city of Varanasi at least once in their lifetime.
Source: https://heritagevietnamairlines.com/song-thieng-huyen-bi/
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