Mala

An account of an inspirational visit to Rishikesh, IndiaThere comes a time in most people’s lives when they feel a need to get away for a while, take a break, have a rest, get refreshed and revived. And most of us dream, daydream, of having an easy carefree holiday in some exotic location. But usually we don’t get around to it, as we neither find the money or the time, nor are we decisive enough to fulfil such wishes, but settle instead for a treat or a weekend trip.When we do actually allow ourselves to have what we think we deserve, we most certainly don’t know how things will unfold, whether things will go according to plan, or even that we won’t end up regretting our decision.Anyway, a plan is hatched; a few weeks in India, just resting and topping up the batteries, recharging, and rebooting, no sightseeing or racing about...'Gods, gurus and Bollywood film idols gaze down from paper posters hanging above the market place. Brightly coloured bunting and shimmering tinsel decorates the shops and market stalls of Rishikesh. Throngs of people roam about, and all over town the crack, report and tremor of fireworks sound throughout the day and night.The main road is lined with every conceivable trade and filled with honking trucks, buses, taxis and swarms of buzzing motorcycle autorickshaws, all belching fumes, Rishikesh is no longer the quiet holy town of old, which has drawn truth-seekers for countless generations.With only a few days to go before the Hindu New Year, preparation for the celebration of Divali (the festival of lights) is in full swing. Interested in the festival, though I am, the town is too noisy, dirty and busy for my taste.With a view to finding accommodation on the other side of the river, I walk the long busy road that leads out of town.'124 pages   48 colour illustrations