Krazy Kumbh

Namaskar from Haridwar, a very holy Hindu city and locale of the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering on earth! What a whirlwind of colour, sound and adventure it has been. Located along the banks of the Ganges, Haridwar is believed to be one of the four places where some nectar of immortality was spilled in a battle between the Gods and Demons and as such is the locale of the Kumbh Mela once every 12 years. Based on various astrological calculations, specifically Jupiter's orbit around the sun, the Kumbh is a gathering of the extremely devout, seekers, and the holy men(sadhus) who come from around the country to bathe in the Ganges. Masses of colourfully-attired Pilgrims come from all over the country, some walking hundreds of kilometres. Sadhus, from the more modern, ashram-inhabiting, cell-phone toting to the often solitary, cave dwelling Nagasadhus (naked and covered in ash- a sign of their devotion to Lord Shiva- represented by fire- and their belief that the body is only the vessel), flock to this holy city, to celebrate, bathe and share Divine wisdom about the universe and our place in it. The energy here abundant and tangible. And, two days after the first of four royal baths, as I await my train departing to my next stop on this journey, I find myself exhausted. Exhilarated and over stimulated. Amazed at what has been and the good fortune that follows me on this journey..