River Ganges

The first time there has been colour in the sky for my last evening in the ashram. "Mother" Ganga is the reason so many spiritual seekers have come here for centuries.

Today was the remembrance celebration of Swami Chidananda, who died 8 years ago. The puja was very beautiful with all the swamis (monks) of the ashram in attendance. See Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/hilarysview/? if you are interested.

I thought you might also like to see where I go for tea by the Ganges (in extras).

The kettle owner is very friendly and always gives free tea to the sadhus (holy men) who are there first thing in the morning. They in turn share any milk with the dogs one of them seems to have a strong affinity with the cow! Here you get some idea of the rubbish that accumulates on the pavements everyday, and everywhere. A little later in the morning this is swept up and burned, by the path or road, everything, especially plastics making an acrid smoke.

Photos, of course cannot give you a flavour of the noise and smells of India wherever there this, it puts our easy life into perspective. Yet a stay in Sivananda Ashram, despite the noise, leaves me feeling calm and ready for the next stage, whatever life brings. I return to Delhi tomorrow to join the Snow Leopard Conservation group.

Thanks to all who are keeping up with this journal in India, I wish you happiness wherever you are blipping from.