We woke up at 4:00 am this morning to go out by boat onto the river for the sunrise aarti. The feeling in the morning is completely different than at night. The frenzy and drama of the night aarti is faded, and everything is quiet, slow, and peaceful. Pilgrims were quietly bathing in the river, and kids were even swimming in it. Very skinny yoga devotees wearing only orange cloth wraps were doing poses and chanting along the ghats. We glided by on one of the long river boats, watching the gentle activity along the banks.
We passed the main crematorium, which is on fact just an open space among the ghats, ringed with temples and balconied buildings. Piles of wood were stacked haphazardly. We saw several still-smoking pyres, with white ashes signifying complete cremation.
We had the chance to walk along the ghats as well. And Morher Ganges decided she wanted one of our own. Several students went to dip their feet into the holy water--Hindus believe you are blessed for life if you touch this water--and Christine took a step down into the water and slipped in up to her neck! It really seemed like the river wanted her, and many of the pilgrims around us smiled and said blessings for her. It wasn't intentional, but it was kind of amazing as an experience. In fact many of us touched the holy water, and some even sprinkled a few drops on their heads. Blessed for life, perhaps!
We also had a chance this morning to see how fine saris are handwoven on complex giant looms. The intricacy of the work is amazing. Many students bought hand- woven scarves and beautiful woven art to bring home.
We have free time now, and some students are heading back down to the river, while others plan to swim and relax at the hotel. There may wven be a few who try a traditional Indian head massage. That early morning wake up call was pretty hard!
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