I was awoken this morning at 4 a.m. by the sounds of music blaring from the house next door and the occasional firecracker going off. The morning puja had begun! Women and their families came to the Ganges en masse to make their offering to the sun and the river. It was easily one of the coolest things I've ever seen in my life. In their beautiful saris women immersed themselves in the water, burned incense, and prepared elaborate offerings of candles, fruit and flowers. You could tell by the goosebumps and the shivering when they emerged that the water was cold. Even if it weren't, it would feel cold after standing in it for an hour. Indian women are hardcore. I read somewhere that it's a testament to their strength that they can withstand their treatment in society and still remain so poised and graceful. I agree!
Praying.
A lone noke-wallah floats dowstream.
Some women watched as others did their puja.
A family approaches the dock.
I took about 80 pictures of this ceremony, but I can't upload that many to this blog. If you'd like to see more, please check out my Facebook page. :)
Wow wow wow indeed! Fantastic images. I especially love the first one of the woman in red sari praying.
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