My Ganga walks of two Ramsar sites, Haiderpur Wetland and Upper Ganga River took sixteen days. Enriching experience I have shared in previous posts. In this post I am highlighting the festive bliss that overwhelmed me.
I tasted distinctive flavour of festivities for three days in Anupshahar and Karanwas in Uttar Pradesh. That was Mahashivratri festival time which went on for three days on Ganga banks. Thousands of people took a dip in the sacred river Ganga. Many people carried Gangajal in decorative pots hanging on the hollow bamboos called Kanwar. They offered Gangajal to Shivling in different temples. Roads, markets and Ganga ghats were teeming with yatris donning colourful Kanwar.
Whole day I had been walking, talking and observing to learn more about the Kanwar rituals while capturing the pretty images in Anupshahar. I was told that atmosphere remains lively whole night during those three days. I was curious to experience the festive mood at night. Got settled at the best venue on Ganga banks. Met amazing people there and had the privilege of being looked after so well. That night was electric. Dancing, singing, chanting, all was happening. Even past midnight joyous yatris carrying Kanwar poured in to have food and rest.
On the day of Mahashivratri I reached Karanwas. Got introduced to Rakesh ji there, an elevated personality in the ashram where I stayed. He was very considerate after knowing about my Ganga journey on foot. It was an honour to attend the Char Prahar Special Pooja of Shivling at night that is performed on Mahashivratri in the famous Bhuteshwar Mahadev temple of Karanwas. This temple is situated in a fort built by the maharaja of Gwalior.
Rakesh ji happened to be one of those people who made my Ganga walks very memorable with their caring gestures. He even arranged my stay on the onward journey until I finished at Narora.
This sounds like it was definitely one of the highlights of your journey. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed following along!
Thank you Beth.
Gosh this looks like an incredible time to be such a wonderful location.
Indeed so.
Your writing transported me to the beautiful and colorful markets of India, and I could almost smell the aroma of the delicious food you described. I especially loved reading about the sweets and desserts that are part of the festivities, as they are often overlooked in travel articles. Your post has definitely inspired me to add this cultural experience to my travel bucket list!
Thank you so much.
This sounds like it was a very lively stop on your journey so far.
Yes it was Jenny.
I’ve never heard of Festival Aroma but I can imagine how interesting it would be to attend this festival, one day I hope!!!
Thank you Karen.
What an interesting festival. It’s good to see and read this through a local’s perspective.
Absolutely so.
It sounds like a nice celebration of the Mahashivratri festival along the Ganga banks in Uttar Pradesh.
Indeed so.
What a fun celebration…it’s beautiful seeing everyone come together and embrace their culture together. Looks like you had a wonderful and unforgettable festival!
Unforgettable truly.
It looks like an incredible time to be such a wonderful location. Love the pictures!
Indeed memorable.