Ganges : The river of faith

The Ganges - Holy Ganga

It is ironic that most civilizations have thrived on the banks of river . The Ganges or sacred Ganga plain is home to a quarter of Indian population . From the place of its origin high in Himalayas to it finally depositing in the Bay of Bengal the river is prayed , adored and worshiped all along its length . The picture above is from the place called Rishikesh , Uttrakhand India . The color of water has a sandy look to it . But the river with its freezing water is a relief to a much traveled Hindu who comes from far off to have a plunge of faith in the holiest river . It is in Hindu folklore that the Ganges has the power to redeem one of its sin . 

I have been sitting on the bank of river Ganga the time i took this pic for half an hour with my parents who are thoroughly enjoying the experience . My mind as it most of time does , starts to wonder was these the same banks that  my grandfather used to take dips in the holy Ganga 70 years ago and his grandfather did  140 years ago . This human chain of  faith has continued for over 1000 years and if one can make a quick calculation that is just 20 generations ago . I feeling of nostalgia grips me and make me realize that faith maybe a fancy word for some , but for others it is a feeling that helps overcome the unknown . It is then when you realize maybe to have faith in something indeed gives you a belief to survive .