An Insight :
At the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the sacred river
Ganges, lies the town of Rishikesh. The first town this holy river reaches
on its decent from the mountains, Rishikesh is home to many ashrams, and
most major Indian ashram, including Vivekananda, Sivananda, Osho, Bihar
school of yoga, have an office there. It is a good place to experience
classical Indian yoga. Class instruction may leave a few gaps for students
used to the precision of western classes, but with its slow and spiritual
atmosphere, it's an enjoyable place to begin discovering what India has to
offer. Rishikesh is less intense than other parts of India, probably because
people have religion on their minds. Most people are very friendly and quick
to say hello or namaste.
As a pilgrimage point, Rishikesh greets many devout Hindus and wandering
sadhus (holy men). Many come to bathe in the sanctified waters of the
Ganges, as Hindus believe this can remove layers of karma. This peaceful
ashram center is certainly one of the more atmospheric places in India. As
the sun rises from behind the mountains, and cuts through the fog, locals
wash in the river. Live temple chanting sets the tone. Beginning around 4
am, the chants float across the water until well after dark. During night
time pujas (ceremonies), offerings of hundreds of camphor flame leaf boats
float picturesquely on the river.
