Photo of the Week: Rishikesh, India

Jim and I visited Rishikesh–a spiritual city in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Rishikesh is known as the gateway to the Himalayas where the holy Ganges River flows down from imposing mountains.

Spiritual seekers come to this area to learn yoga, meditate, and honor the river that Hindus call “mother.” The Ganges is the most sacred river to Hindus and is also a lifeline to millions of Indians who live along its course and depend on it for their daily needs including drinking water, bathing, waste disposal and even cremation.

Locals gather on the banks of the ghat at sunset to perform Puja– an offering made to a god, spirit, or an aspect of the divine to show reverence and devotion. Baskets holding Tulsi (holy basil) and other flowers are lit with candles and sent floating down the river.