Namaste,
I have to say that the Ganga looks very clean and well taken care of here. It's holy, it should be. It's water is quite clear.
The only debris one sees floating down the river are coconuts and garlands - the aftermath of River worship. Only very occasionally does one see a plastic bag go by. Water fowl also swim downstream,
submerged to their necks by the swift current. This is in great contrast to the condition of the waters further downstream, like in Benares. Here, the river is respected and cherished. And why not?
It's good (pilgrim) business.

I went Thursday evening to Hari-ki-pauri, the holiest spot in the Ganga here. On Shivaratri there will be a fierce competition between the various sadhu akaras as to who will take the dip first. Usually
the Juna Akara wins... Here, every morning, the holy River is worshiped in a grand manner. This event can be seen regularly on Indian television. 

The evening worship with the waving of lights (arati) is especially lovely. Many pilgrims come to witness it. They all sit on a small island opposite the main ghat. It's all pretty orderly and peaceful. Special guards see that people stay seated, collect donations (10 rupees) for the worship, and lead the worshipers
in chanting when the ceremony starts. 

This happens around six o'clock. Lights are lit, bells are rung and cries of 'Ganga Mai ki
Jai! (Victory to Mother Ganga!) are raised. Then everybody sings a lilting paean to the River, while priests wave large brasslamp holders with many lights burning on them. The assembly of
pilgrims is moved, and moving to behold. 

I was so moved, I overpaid the cycle -rickshaw driver who took me back to my 'resort'.



Love & pranams, Billy