In 2013, while on a bike ride to Allahabad (Prayagraj) for the Maha Kumbh, I made an unforgettable detour to Varanasi after visiting my father at the Sirmour hydro plant in Rewa. The ghats of Varanasi, with their ancient steps leading down to the sacred Ganga, are an iconic sight, though the unclean state of some of the ghats was hard to ignore. However, the spiritual energy of the place overshadowed these imperfections. The lively atmosphere, filled with the sound of temple bells, Naga Sadhu’s and the hum of pilgrims chanting, was captivating. We hired a boat to cross the Ganga to the sandy shores of Reet Ghat, where I experienced a profound moment of peace and reflection.

As I stood at the edge of the river and took a holy dip in the Ganga, I felt a deep connection to the thousands of pilgrims who had come before me to perform the same sacred ritual. The cool water of the Ganga symbolized purification and renewal, washing away the stresses of life and reinforcing a spiritual bond with my heritage. Despite the crowds, the moment felt deeply personal, as if I was alone with my thoughts amidst the centuries of history and faith that the Ganga represents. This holy dip during Holi made the experience even more vibrant and meaningful, blending spirituality with the festive spirit of the occasion.

This journey to Varanasi during the Maha Kumbh remains one of the most memorable highlights of my travels. The contrast of the bustling ghats, the sacred river, and the celebration of faith painted a vivid picture of India’s spiritual diversity. From the sandbanks of Reet Ghat to the iconic Varanasi ghats, the experience left me with a profound sense of peace and connection to both my own spiritual journey and the collective traditions of millions of others. It was a perfect blend of pilgrimage, adventure, and self-discovery.

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