Kashi Diary
A follow-up project to last year's ‘Points of Conciousness’. The focus this time: ‘Devis & Trees’. The sacred trees of Kashi as seats of the goddess, mainly worshipped by women.
Week 1
Arrival in Kashi, the ‘city of light’. Very early in the morning at 5 a.m. to the ghats - getting up is hard, at home it's exactly midnight, but the atmosphere of this ‘magical hour - Brahmamuhurti’ makes up for any effort. First explorations in the labyrinth of the old town with its countless tiny and not so tiny shops. First marvellous trees discovered. And for the ‘Water Festival - Chaat Puja’ - the women are beautifully decorated, the men carry the fruit and vegetables needed for worship in huge baskets on their heads. And marvelled at how this absolute overabundance of people is managed without any major incidents.
Week 2
Week 2 is ‘very Indian’, everything takes ages, hardly anything works straight away. The city is completely packed with Devdipawali, the internet has collapsed. A good exercise in patience and acceptance. However, there are still stunning mornings with Ganga, wonderful sacred trees, and plenty of other things to marvel at.
Week 3
Week 3 is completely dedicated to sacred trees and temples, with pilgrimage around the city (panchkroshi yatra). And of course the ghats and the people, including the deafening non-stop celebrations in this special month.
