The land of India holds the mystical history of it’s past. Mountains, rivers, ancient sites and buildings have been held in sacred esteem throughout history. While digitization and globalization have assimilated modern humans around the globe, religion and spirituality are so inextricably tied to India’s culture that their stories of origin still hold unique reverence. When touring these landmarks, the magnitude of their significance is inherently felt.
One month of traveling through Uttarakhand barely scratched the surface of the vastness and diversity of the region alone, but offered back a lifetime of learnings and inspiration. Exiting the bubble of our Western political, social and economic debates, the day-to-day realities of existing in another culture presented vastly different webs of needs and norms. With it’s rich history of craftsmanship - the site of some of our own weavers - I was so grateful to have the opportunity to travel to such a faraway place. Cows roam the streets like humans, temples and ashrams are filled with exuberant tourists, all while toddlers watch ipads at the dinner table (in the soon to be Apple manufacturing hub).
The Lodi Gardens below are a perfect example of one of the many breathtaking parks in Delhi often built around a tomb or monument. Here 16th century styles of Hindu and Islamic architecture combine to create intricate and striking forms.
The holy Ganges “Ganga” river. Tourists come from all parts of India to visit near the source at the base of the Himalayas where it runs clean and turquoise-tinted. The river is a lifeline for much of India’s population, and it’s regarded as a sacred blessing from ancestors and gods. Bathing and offering flowers have long been ways Indians pay homage to the waters, while in recent years enterprising locals have set up rafting companies for families and friends to enjoy the thrill of the quick-flowing whitewater.
This particular region of India is fully vegetarian and cows roam the streets like pedestrians. Milk and dairy are heavily consumed and mo-ped riders often stop to touch the cows with a blessing.
A small quiet town on the outskirts of a major tourist city appears much denser and busier from above.
The forest on the edge of town where cows lead their calves to drink and graze, and elephants seek refuge from the city sprawl.