Day 5:
Planning a trip can’t be 100% perfect – We had booked a 2-night stay at goSTOPS hostel in Rishikesh but were disappointed with the cleanliness and foul smell of the bathroom, and even after repeatedly informing the hostel manager, nothing much was done. We decided to let go of our 2-day stay cost and roamed the Rishikesh Market for a decent property. We checked out Ishan Hotel, which has rooms with a view of the Ganges but was unfortunately sold out. Aloha on the Ganges and other hotels were on the expensive side, so we went with one of the hotel receptionist’s suggestions to check out X Hotel by Bloom which had recently opened.
After checking in, we explored the Ram Jhula, a suspension bridge across the river Ganges. Attracted by a mascot with a choti (pony) and heavy makeup sitting outside the restaurant, we hogged at Chotiwala restaurant and then made our way to Parmarth Niketan ashram for a free yoga session at 4 p.m. Shocked to see that an Indian-introduced Yoga practice was being taught by a foreigner instructor. But in our interaction, we understood their sheer dedication to Yoga and Spirituality. She also quoted some famous Meditation gurus like Sam Harris and Esther Teule.
Sudden rains did hinder the Ganga Aarti timings which usually start at 6 pm daily but as the bhajans started rain subsided and was followed by Hawan Vidhi and Aarti. The prayers offered to the mighty statute of Lord Shiva at the banks of the sacred Ganga River, added to the spiritual potency. We also happened to converse with a young pandit who guided us to pray at the Ganges and take a sip of the holy water.
