A Few Days in Nashik

                                     
As I look over at the list of blogs of our fellow ASB blogging friends, I've noticed that everyone seems to be a blogging funk lately.  I have felt a bit overwhelmed with experiences to get the 'ink on the paper' as we have had several shorter adventures lately that don't seem 'blog-worthy.'  Nashik is definitely blog-worthy and despite just spending two days there it's a place I'd recommend seeing.

The city revolves around the Godavari River and is one of the four holy cities that host the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering for Hindus that happens every few years.  By day we explored the city, a Buddhist monastery site, and the cliche but interesting tour of Sula Vineyards, India's largest winery.  By day, the city didn't blow me away.  Like many of the million-plus populated cities in India, Nashik suffers from a case of either too many vehicles or not wide enough street and too much dust.

                                   
By night, the center of town pulses with Hinduism.  People of all ages and families of all sizes come down to the river by the main temple to light diyas, small oil lamps, that they float out into the river.  As the complex is bathed in a soft street light from above, the floating candles add immensely to the atmosphere.

From the alleys surrounding the temple area and alongside the river, we heard circles of Hindus singing with drum and finger cymbal accompaniments with varying aged participants.  For one, I tried to capture the experience with the new video camera (thanks Mom and Dad!).  The sounds were enchanting as they echoed throughout the old stones and across the river.

So it may not be Varanasi full of burning and learning and slow boat rides and river dolphins, but Nashik is a holy place worthy of attention.