ALONG THE GANGES 2010
We started out in Kolkata and took the train first to Orissa, and then to Varanasi and Allahabad – the 2 most holy cities for India Hindu Spirituality. If you visit or even better get cremated in one of them, you can jump over a step or two in the reincarnation process. The trip ended up in Agra – the city of Taj Mahal.
Hindu Spirituality: Kolkata, Varanasi, Allahabad and Agra
We mad e this trip with a couple of friends from Fotosyndikatet / The Photo Syndicate, and began our journey in the vibrant city of Kolkata, a place rich in history, culture and India Hindu Spirituality. Known for its bustling streets with people everywhere, colorful markets, and impressive colonial architecture, Kolkata set the perfect stage for our adventure. From there, we boarded a train bound for Orissa and we visited Christian Hospital Bissamcuttack. You can read my article about this hospital on my gallery page Kolkata and Orissa 2008. After staying there for some days, we took the train to Varanasi – the most holy town for hindus. The train ride was a fascinating experience, offering glimpses of the diverse landscapes of India, including lush fields, bustling rural towns, and serene riversides. As we traveled, we couldn’t help to reflect on the spiritual significance of our destination – a city on the Ganges river in northern India that has a central place in the traditions of pilgrimage, death, and mourning in the Hindu world. I felt Varanasi as if there was a motiv to shoot for every meter. Pilgrims that visit the town are so focused no matter if it’s a ritual bath In the Ganges or a near family member to be cremated.
Traveling in India we have always preferred the train and always second class. That’s where you meet plein people. From Varanasi we travelled the short distance to Allahabad, where the sacred Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers converge, is revered by many seeking spiritual cleansing and enlightenment. The Kumbh Mela, a massive Hindu pilgrimage that occurs every twelve years, attests to the city’s importance in Hindu spirituality.
In these holy cities, one can feel the palpable energy and devotion of the faithful. There’s a belief that if you visit or, even more profoundly, get cremated in either Allahabad or Kolkata, you can move forward in your reincarnation journey, perhaps skipping a step or two along the way. This spiritual significance added a deep layer to our travels, as we embraced the belief that our experiences could touch on something divine.
After soaking in the spirituality of Allahabad, we ended our journey in Agra, known internationally for the breathtaking Taj Mahal. This iconic symbol of love and architectural marvel left us in awe of its beauty and history. The intricate details of the marble façade and the serene gardens surrounding it provided a perfect backdrop for reflection. Standing before the Taj Mahal, we truly felt the weight of time and the enduring human spirit, encapsulated in this magnificent tribute.
Our trip through these pivotal cities was not just a journey through India’s geography but also an exploration of its deep-rooted cultural and spiritual heritage, an experience that will surely stay with us forever and covered in our images.