By the Ganga

Today a kind of funny incident happened. I went out with my dad for some work and we had to take a boat ride to the other bank of ganga. While returning the boat was leaving the jetty when dad got onto it but i could not make it. i saw the boat sail away and dad staring at me from it. sitting by the river waiting for the next boat i got a call from a friend of mine and after speaking to him a lot of thoughts came flooding through my mind on the ride back from the ghat to my home. while passing one particular ghat dad reminded of the times when i used to come with him early in the morning on the day of mahalaya to see people offer their prayers to the ancestors. that day has been so special to me cz of two reasons. first being the mahishasurmardini on radio at 4 in the morning and then the morning breeze by the river and second cz it ushered the pujas. when dad reminded me of the mahalaya morning i smiled and said to myself that this also used to be my favourite ghat cz it was mostly where i had my numerous "appos" (i.e. dates with my bf for people who dont know what appo means).
Haridwar is another place where i really likes Ganga. the water is crystal clear and its cold and gushing splashes have a cleansing sensation. i remember the "Ganga Arati" in the evenings when the priests carried chandeliers of oil lamps to the banks and prayed by the river for prosperity and happiness.The zealous Ganga at haridwar where people pray for prosperity becomes the tranquil abode to the ashes of beloved at Gangasagar.
For all those who have not yet have had the opportunity to have the august company of Ganga, i urge very strongly... Be there, feel it, preferably with a loved one, its simply exalting.