The bridge was a parade of life in Haridwar, Hindu pilgrims, who came to wash in the holy water of the Ganges, priests, holy men, families, and school children. School boys flew kites from the bridge in the cool breezes. They skillfully competed to send the other’s kites into the fast flowing Ganges. Their laughter and enthusiasm filled the air. Younger kids, likely five years old, made their way across the bridge wearing tidy school uniforms, red sweaters, navy pants or skirts with enormous backpacks hanging low on their backs.
We were not the only observers on the bridge that December afternoon. We were carefully scrutinized by this little person.
We wandered the streets for awhile, surprised that the stalls which had been open and busy the night before were closed now. We were pleased at our ability to find our hotel once again, a 100 year old home once owned by a wealthy Indian. His portraits line the walls. The central courtyard has a temple and each morning and afternoon a Hindu priest comes to conduct payers to Vishnu. This hotel also has a Private Ghat or bathing area where anyone can go to bathe in the river Ganges. Haridwar means the footprint of God, or heavens gate. And this will explain the sacred ceremonies performed each day at dusk. There is more to tell….
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