Sadhus on Mobile Phones

Escaping crowded and polluted Delhi we headed north to the holy city of Haridwar. This is where the sacred river Ganges emerges from the Himalayan Mountains and it is busy with Hindu pilgrims. We followed suite and did as most visiting Indians here do and took a dip in the fast-slowing Ganges (it is said to wash away your sins).

Patrick in the Ganges

Every evening there is a ceremony, puja, where people put leaf baskets filled with flower petals and a burning candle in the river. The belief is you make a wish and it will come true. An Indian boy swam out to put our basket in the middle of the river also managing to put the candle out. In all the excitement we even forgot to make our wishes. Better luck next time.

The world of technology is evidently hitting India and mobile phones and tvs are increasing in popularity. We even saw an orange-clothed Sadhu (holy man) chatting away avidly on his mobile phone!

Next stop Rishikesh...