A Winter in India

This guy obviously doesn’t worry about bad hair days. He is one of the millions of Hindus who believe that the water of the Ganges will heal all physical and spiritual ailments. On the return trip to Delhi from the mountains we crossed the Ganges and saw first hand the multitudes who visit this sacred river. Further downstream and upstream are the more famous pilgrimage stops along the Ganges, Haridwar, Varanasi, Benares and others, but here also the devotees throng to restore their health. At the river’s edge cement stairs called ghats allow devotees to reach the river safely and immerse themselves. I wish I understood more of the Hindu rituals to better appreciate their spiritual journey to this river. Boatmen are more than willing to take a devotee for a ride on the sacred river and merchants are more than anxious to supply them with all necessities. Wherever there is a visitor with a purpose to fulfill there are also others to help (for Rupees) them with their experience. Just to be around folks like the one in our image makes one become more spiritual, if only to wonder at his devotion improves us all.