Next stop Haridwar

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We travelled to Haridwar by train (about a 7 hour trip) for only 6 quid. Bargain!! We thought, and then we were also served a full breakfast, tea (not 6 hours old but a flask of hot water and tea bag etc) and lunch!. British rail companies have a lot to learn!

After a couple a days in the centre of town we moved a couple of km out to the Moyal Ashram, for 3 days. Nothing as heavy or religious as it might sound, but very calming after Delhi. It was just like a guest house but with a temple and yoga classes. It was a great place to relax and recover from my cold and take yoga twice a day in a class of 3!. There’s a lot to be said for the breathing exercises they certainly clear and relax the mind, which we were both in need of, although they can be a bit tricky with a heavy cold...!

Just to give you a background to Haridwar it is one of the most religious places in India with many temples on the banks of the Ganga (Ganges) where the river enters the plains from Himalayas. Thousands of Indians make a pilgrimage to Haridwar and bathe in the river - millions during the Kumbh Mela the largest religious gathering in the world. This occurs every 3 years, cycling through four locations and therefore at Haridwar every 12 years. In the evening they participate in a 'puja' (prayer ritual) giving offerings of bananna leaves made into boats, filled with marigolds, roses and candles. These are floated down the river to bring good fortune. One man's offering it seems was another mans living, as we watched boys further down stream, fishing out the offerings with nets from a bridge!

Something I am finding very strange is the reaction some rich Indians have to us. They often stop and ask if they can have their photos taken with us. What’s that all about? I am just an
everyday kind of a person from England. We were even asked for our autographs by one girl. I’m sure we haven’t become famous overnight or anything…….. strange.

That also brings me onto something I forgot to mention in the last blog.... the title of it in fact! Come to India and you will get asked over and over again “Which country are you coming from?”. I can definitely understand now why Geoff’s sister Hazel used to say she sometimes got to the point of saying that she came from Mars as the same question very quickly gets a bit wearing! I could do with a T-shirt that said “England coming from. Yes, its beautiful!”

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Photos

One photo please?
Well if you really want to, but why do you want to hold the hand of a scruffy traveller with a head full of cold?!?

Cow at the Haridwar Ghats
You don't get much more sacred than this!

Veggy store
If only the veg looked this good in a supermarket.

Bindi powder stall
The red power is 'sindoor' traditionally made from powdered turmeric and fresh lime juice and used to make the circular Bindi mark worn by Hindus on their forehead

Puja stall
Marigolds stacked high

Who me?
It weren't me gov'ner...I never stole nufing.....

Shiva Statue
In case you can't tell from the shot - this is about 100 feet high

Travelling light
There is nothing these guys can't move by bike!

Evening prayer at the Ghats
During the puja, priests swung flaming lamps around for about 20 minutes, with assistants pouring water on their forearms to prevent burns!

Yoga teacher Gajanand and class
At the Ashram

Travelling in comfort by autorickshaw
Our fellow yoga student Annkatrine

Comments

[Amy Brown]

Merry Christmas
Hi Guys! It looks like you're having an amazing time, you're photos are awesome! Lexa - you look stunning, something's obviously doing you good out there :-) I hope you both have a wonderful Christmas, whereever you are and whatever you do. My new e-mail is [e-mail]. When are you guys back? Are you coming back?? All my love, Amy X