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Humanity floods Ganga

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That day was finally here. After reading about it in the papers and watching images of it on television since childhood, I was there myself. It was the start of the Maha Kumbh Mela. A unique congregation of humanity had converged on the holy city of Haridwar.


As I stepped into the town, I could already sense the special status given to it in Hindu mythology. Right from the railway station to the Ghats, there was only one color...orange. On the Ghats, one thing that I saw immediately and which didn’t surprise me at all was the image of a mother treating her children equally; whether they be rich or poor, fair or dark, boy or girl, Ganga Maiyya (Mother Ganga) had stretched out her arms for all. You know that when you immerse yourself in the waters, it is like crying and seeking comfort in your mother's lap. You want her to forgive you for your sins and she being a mother, she does so without questioning.



































The Ghats of the Ganga were buzzing with devotees everyday while I was there. At least five million devotees from India and across the world are believed to have taken part in the first phase of the ritual bath.The Maha Kumbh, a three-month long affair, comes around once every 12 years.
I have concentrated my post this time completely on the holy dip. I will be going to Haridwar on every holy bathing day for the next three months, endeavouring to capture ---- however difficult as it may be ---- the many sights and colours of the Maha Kumb. Until then…Ganga Maiyya Ki Jai !

© Danish Siddiqui Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

Comments

  1. Pearl January 23, 2010 at 7:29 PM

    Me loves mystic india! again and again and again! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. ZUBAIRDARZIJanuary 23, 2010 at 11:28 PM

    GOOD CLICKS,As Sir Herni Benson said,"ya can't repeat the moments"..SO YA CAPUTERD THE TIME,THE HISTORY..LOVED YA PHOTOZ

    ReplyDelete
  3. crookedlinesJanuary 24, 2010 at 12:21 AM

    The Maha Kumbh is indeed a very challenging assignment to capture in a few photographs. Yet, having seen the Kumbh through so many lenses over the years, the desire here was to see some "untold stories"....more 'portraits' that captured the frenzy; a variety of faces that suggested the different backgrounds people came from ...like what you speak of your "write-up"...the sights and smells remain to be captured. The sharpness and edgy photography that have been seen previously seem to be missing here...But as long as the "endeavour" continues, there should be much to look forward to....

    ReplyDelete
  4. Faisal AhmedJanuary 24, 2010 at 2:12 AM

    liked the tree dude...infact tree is very good....but ur earlier work is better than this...

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2010 at 6:02 PM

    I think the picture of the tree is superb.the Visual is vocal too.

    ReplyDelete
  6. chrmyersJanuary 26, 2010 at 6:23 AM

    hey, i always enjoy reading, is there anyway that you can explain this to me a little more as i am illiterate on Hindu culture. I understand the significance of the Ganges being sacred but why only have the bathing every 12 years? send me an email if you get the chance with a overview of the history of this. thanks man.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousMarch 3, 2010 at 12:04 PM

    extraordinary photographs!

    I saw your post on Niyamgiri today and shred it on FB.
    Am also a journalistic orphan....looking for my balance and my voice. Kep up the good work!
    Natasha

    ReplyDelete
  8. ShriyaMay 4, 2010 at 9:55 AM

    Hey, just loved the pictures buddy...they speak volumes and the old proverb stands right here - "A picture is worth a thousand words"....good luck cheers!!

    ReplyDelete

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