From the festivals of the Kumbh Mela, Ganga Dussehra, Kartik Nahaan to the after-death ceremonies performed by Hindus, on these special occasions, the preceptors of Hinduism continue to place heavy emphasis on visiting the waterways or worshipping Ganga Maa by immersing themselves. Why? Do we really believe that one’s sins are washed away? If so, how much? Are we then free of our karma? The answer is no; for far too long such illogical, brain-washing explanations have formed part of the emerging tides of philosophy and spirituality.
If Kartik Nahaan were seen as such, then the numbers at the seaside would stop dwindling every year that passes, regardless of whether the occasion falls on a weekend or holiday. Again, this is a case of Hinduism being marketed! As a result, the product becomes seasonal and one of convenience. Why is it that Divali is given a public holiday and not the other, just as important, Hindu religious festivals such as Kartik Nahaan? Perhaps this is because it would be impractical and unproductive to do so but the point remains, whether we accept it or not, that being a Hindu is every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every week, every month, every year! It comes naturally. It’s a belief system that permeates every cell and atom in the universe and, sooner or later, you become attuned to it.
This leads to the concept of immersion. We all have two births, our biological and spiritual. The second, spiritual birth, which other religions have also incorporated into their belief systems, is the immersion or use of water to channel one’s life to a higher purpose. This divine act allows the soul to rejoice in the awakening that one has now accepted, to rigorously and ritualistically satiate the soul’s desire to attain ‘moksha’.
Many different types of people, along many different paths, undertake this spiritual journey. Some are as swift as a horse and some as slow as a snail. Some may take the path through densely populated forests while some journey through unobstructed terrains. We must, however, appreciate the need to begin moving in this direction. By ritualistically immersing ourselves in the oceans, we renew the vow to remain committed to this spiritual journey.
If one were to ask any pilgrim what is the best part of visiting India, they might attest to the experience of bathing in the cool Ganges water. Where else can one literally bathe in the divine’s presence? Which other spiritual experiences can surpass this? It is a step forward in the soul’s unending quest to merge into the ocean of non-duality and attain oneness with the divine. This is why the largest confluence of people on the planet converges on the banks of the Ganga to gain such an experience in their lifetime. Awake and arise! Let not another opportunity pass us by! The festivals that allow people to visit the ocean are among the most important for awakening in this age of Kalyug. Have you had your bath of spirituality?
Kartik Nahaan will be celebrated on November 6 this year.
By Pt. Balram Persad, Upa-Paramacharya, Swaha
