Ganga Maiya, the river that washes away all sins

Haridwar: The early morning mist covers the Ganga river as it flows past the temple town of Haridwar like a gossamer drape, untouched by the sun. At Har-ki-Pauri, the spiritual soul of Haridwar, the swirling current of the river that descends from the icy peaks of the Himalayas disappears into the dense bank of fog. Only the spires of the temples dotting the banks show up in shadowy silhouettes.

Haridwar, or the gateway to the abode of god, seems suspended in a web of time and misty space. The arclights are on the river now that it is being celebrated as part of the world's longest and most ancient river festival - the Mahakumbh Mela.

The holy bathing ghat at Har-ki-Pauri has a new attraction for the Kumbh - six new corrugated iron bridges built parallel to each other and painted bright orange. Seen from atop these bridges, the fast-flowing river is a study in contrast of colours - a pastel grey here, -- and there fired with sudden shafts of cobalt blue.

Image: Devotees taking holy dip in the river Ganges on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya during Maha Kumbh at the religious city of Haridwar on January 15, 2010.

Text: IANS

Images: PTI

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