SPICE APRIL 2017 IPAD LR

ART ||||| PHOTOGRAPHY
Whether you believe in
mythology or not, being present at
the Gangasagar Mela is an
experience of a lifetime. Although
the main holy dip is scheduled for
January 14, 2017, the never-ending
stream of pilgrims usually start
pouring in at least a week before
the auspicious day and occupy
every available space on the sandy
beach. They move about the place
in groups, many displaying saffron
and red flags, identifying the
religious akhara (religious
subgroup) they belong to. People
walk to the sound of the bells,
blowing conch shells and chanting
prayers. Strains of devotional songs can
be heard from near and far. An array of
shops are stacked with heaps of
religious items such as vermilion,
rudraksha, colourful beads, conch
shells, and more earthly items such as
food and utensils.
As the much awaited Makar
Sankranti day arrives, all wait with
intense expectation. The sandy track to
the water’s edge is crowded with people
who sit around fires before proceeding
for the bath, chanting devotional songs
and prayers. The biting cold of January
from across the sea lashes the bare
bodies of the pilgrims, but there is a
confidence on their faces and fire
burning in their eyes, something that
only comes from deep belief. The bustle
of activity continues for quite some time
as the pilgrims perform a series of
rituals. Many perform the symbolic
crossing of the river of Baitarani to
attain moksha. All in all, an apparently
calm, nonchalant seafront is charged
with the extraordinary power of the
believers. Even if you don’t count
yourselves among them, it would be
worthwhile to visit the place once, just
for the sake of the life-changing
experience it provides.
Top to bottom: Early
morning rituals at
Gangasagar; Prayer to
the Sun God; A sadhu
at his makeshift camp
in Gangasagar
120 ||||| APRIL 2017