While I was in the early stages of preparing for this internship, a friend of mine was touring India with her husband and I nearly cried each time she posted: it all seemed so magical. Perhaps some of you reading this can relate. It is. It truly is. One particular place that stole my heart so many months ago looking through her pictures was the city of Varanasi, set on the banks of the river Ganga. I live a twelve-hour train ride (plus delays) away, but it was unequivocally THE must-see place on my list while I’m here. This past weekend, I got to experience the magic first-hand. Luckily I had some insider information letting me know that the city celebrates a special occasion, Dev Deepawali, that happens on the full moon of Kartika, 15 days after Diwali. The ghats (steps) on the riverfront are adorned by light earthen lamps and in honor of the river goddess. Oh my heck. Don’t you feel it? I certainly did, and I knew I needed to be there for it. So away went Ashley on her first solo trip in India. This may sound silly, but it was important to me to honor this growth that I’ve been feeling with some space and solitude for myself. At the same time, I met a good friend there who grew up in Varanasi to accompany me after dark. Independence, not recklessness. It was the perfect balance. I walked 12kms on Saturday alone and close to the same on Sunday. Exploring at my own pace was therapeutic. Shopping without hassle was amazing. The spiritual reflection I could take for myself rooted all these feelings I’ve had for the past two months. It was special. So much more than that, but some things simply cannot be explained. The ritual bathing Saturday was something amazing to witness. The word frenzied doesn’t capture the essence of it, but it does encompass some of the pace and crowds. Yet there’s an underlying sacredness. Whether you believe it’s from the river or from the location itself, or from the thousands of worshippers bringing that energy with them, it’s a powerful force. Is it ever powerful and penetrating. Here is where those seeking release from reincarnation are cremated. Maybe it’s the constant reminder of death (the burning happens 24/7, all days of the year) that keeps the people here so laid back and in an atmosphere of enjoyment and pleasure. Sunday I returned to the same place at the Assi ghat, but this time there were only a handful of people. What a difference. I’m so glad I got to experience the two mornings, as each had their own sweet, special feel to them. This trip. This trip was everything I needed it to be. Thank you Varanasi. I take with me all you have taught and know I will have to return to learn more.
1 Comment
Matt
11/9/2017 05:26:42 am
As always, your writing is therapy to the soul. I’m so excited over the years to rehash revisit and discuss this trip. I know there is so much more to unpack.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorAshley J.E. Hull Archives
November 2017
Categories |