Unbeknownst to us, this weekend was part of a major festival for Shiva, one of the primary Hindu gods. There is a major temple for Shiva in Rishikesh, and holy river Ganges (or Ganga) flowing through the town makes it an even more important destination for pilgrims. And boy, were there pilgrims. Hundreds of guys from villages in north India on motorcycles and in the back trucks, wearing orange, chanting and honking horns. As a result of all the people, the 25km drive from the Haridwar train station to Rishikesh took over an hour. Luckily for us, we were splitting a cab with a random Spaniard who was staying in Rishikesh for the month, and he led us to his hotel: the Divine Ganga. While the rooms are simple, I highly recommend this place. The staff is exceptionally friendly (particularly the cook), the price can't be beat ($4/room for the night), and the setting is serene. And after I hit the Indian food wall earlier this week, the fresh baked bread and cereal were welcome sights on the menu.
Rishikesh is known as a tourist destination and spiritual retreat and is full of yoga centers, ashrams, temples, astrologers, hiking, and river rafting ventures. Someday, I would love to take a month and explore everything, but we accomplished a lot in one day. We set out in the morning with no real plan other than to explore. We joined the pilgrims as they crossed the bridge over the Ganga and started the trek down to the temple. After we learned that the temple was 25km from where we were, however, we decided to wander down to the river instead. Many people were bathing and swimming, and once again I posed for about a dozen "white girl" pictures (in case there was any doubt, i would make a terrible celebrity. i'm really getting tired of being an attraction). The river was delightfully cool, and my new orange tshirt (hey, gotta blend in) made for great swimming attire. Later in the day we enjoyed ayurveda massage. I have never had a massage this active before. She was using her feet, walking on my back, contorting my limbs. So rejuvenating and relaxing.
Next up: palm reading. Apparently, I can have 2 children, might work for the UN (or alternatively, be a psychologist), and should watch out for dogs trying to bite my right leg. And he told me to eat more organic food...apparently my recent diet of ice cream is evident in my hands. He also told me to work on decluttering and calming my mind and remembering that happiness is generated from within. I think this is excellent advice and something that I should actively work on more than I do. he said that i'm in the process of confirming that I don't need to go in search of happiness or grasp for what's next...though these may be general aphorisms, they sure do resonate. and then he told me to hug a tree. literally. I like this guy.
We ended this lovely day in Rishikesh by watching the aarti, or offering to the gods, at sunset on the banks of the Ganga.
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