Content Creator Raunaq On Travelling Along Ganga From Its Source To Mouth: '...Profound And Multifaceted'

'The Ganga's flow carries with it the wisdom and heritage of centuries' — with this quote, Rabindranath Tagore perfectly encapsulates why India holds such a strong belief in the River Ganga.

Across ages, Ganga has been considered the holiest river in India. Whether it is Dhauliganga in Uttarakhand or The Hooghly in West Bengal, Ganga is referred to by different names in different states, yet its religious significance and reverence remain constant. Popularly known as Goddess Ganga, and worshipped like a mother, India’s largest river fertilises the mainland.

Inspired by its allure, Delhi-based YouTuber and traveller Raunaq Sahni has always been eager to travel from its source to mouth to understand what makes it the lifeline of India. The 26-year-old runs his YouTube channel ‘Monkey Magic’ and is a full-time traveller exploring the diverse landscapes of India. Always an admirer of Rishikesh, he used to wonder why people have such deep faith in Ganga and why it is prayed like a mother. Following his intuition, Sahni embarked on a four-month-long journey last year from Gaumukh to Ganga Sagar (Bay Of Bengal) and came up with his first photo book ‘Melodies Of India’ containing all the life-changing experiences he had during the journey.

Image: Special Arrangement

'Gaumukh To Ganga Sagar'

Ganga originates from Gaumukh, a snout in the Gangotri glacier of the Himalayan mountains, and eventually merges with the sea at Ganga Sagar. Each year, thousands of devotees embark on a pilgrimage covering more than 2,500 km of the stretch. This pilgrimage takes devotees through rigorous mountain trails at 13,000 ft, to the long plains under the scorching heat. However, it rewards them with mesmerising views of snow-capped mountains and a soul-soothing journey of self-realisation.

Buoyed by the Narmada Parikrama, Sahni commenced on the voyage last year in October and spent four long months until January 2024 discovering the beauty of rural India nestled along the sacred banks of the Ganga.

While talking with ABP Live, Sahni explained how this journey and the Ganga impacted his life and thoughts, saying that on this journey his heart left all burdens behind and showed him the beauty of life.

"The impact of the Ganga on me has been profound and multifaceted. When I experienced the Ganga at its source in the mountains, it mirrored the beauty and serenity within myself. My mindset in those serene surroundings was peaceful and calm, reflecting the pristine purity of the river," he said

Beauty Of Rural India Nestled Along The Sacred Banks Of The River Ganga: Raunaq

The river Ganga is known by different names and has various flows, but the sense of faith remains unchanged.

Talking about the same Raunaq said that even with the different cultures and traditions every 50 to 60 km, people across India have the same reverence for the holy river.

"The beauty of rural India nestled along the sacred banks of the river Ganga, where you may find people praying to her in different ways and calling her by different names, have the same belief that Ganga washes away all their sins," he said.

"Along the Ganga, I journeyed through Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Bihar. While the foundational beliefs remained consistent, I observed diverse practices across different regions. However, what struck me the most was the universal emotional connection people held for the river, irrespective of geographical boundaries," Raunaq added.

Indians revere the river Ganga as a goddess, however, the fact that the Ganga is gradually disappearing in several towns, and the pollution is no secret.

Raunaq said, "As the Ganga flows downstream, it encounters various challenges, including pollution. In places like Kanpur, the flow diminishes, and the colour turns dark due to water pollution."

Image: Special Arrangement

Embracing Uncertainty Along The Ganga:

In 2017, when Raunaq went on his first solo trip, he thought it was not his cup of tea and returned just after two days. But as they say, if things are meant to be, they will be. In 2022, Raunaq gathered all his courage and became a full-time traveller. He spent 100 days travelling the country and documenting solo for his YouTube channel.

he said, "In 2022, I made the transition to full-time travelling with a simple yet profound goal: to break out of my comfort zone and explore the diverse landscapes of India. I decided to fully commit to this new adventure, starting from Varanasi. This marked my initiation into extensive solo travelling, a departure from my previous experiences of travelling for work in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore, which were limited to short stints."

During the journey, he encountered a myriad of experiences, from the tranquil landscapes of the northeast to the vibrant energy of bustling city streets. He learned the art of spontaneity and embracing uncertainty and decided to set off on his years-old dream journey along the Ganga.

Image: Special Arrangement

'Melodies Of India'

During his sojourn, Sahni came up with the idea of a 270-page photo book summarising the memorable moments of the voyage and the different landscapes situated on the banks of the river Ganga.

"Ganga carries the stories of many people, and my book called ‘Melodies of India,’ which has 11 chapters, reveals the paradoxes and truths of how human life exists along the river's path. Ganga has been a lifeline for centuries," he said, mentioning that he has captured the fearless flow of the Ganga in the upper Himalayas of Uttarakhand, losing its glory to pollution in the Bithoor of Kanpur, and how divine it is in Varanasi again to gain its beauty at the Bay of Bengal.

Raunaq believes that after Gangotri, the Ganga in Rishikesh possesses a mystical energy that seems to wash away all of one's troubles.

"For me, Rishikesh holds a special place as the best spot to experience the Ganga. It's like a second home to me, and I've cultivated a beautiful connection there over the years. However, if I were to choose another exceptional place, it would be Gangotri, particularly in the winter. The serene beauty and spiritual aura of Gangotri during the winter months left me awestruck and deeply moved," said Raunaq.

The Ganga has always been a vital enchantment for Indians, fulfilling the water needs of 40% of the population. Beyond its religious significance, it also holds scientific and agricultural importance, as the Ganga Basin has the most fertile soil in the nation. The sacred waters of the Ganga weave together a tapestry of cultural heritage and daily necessity, embodying the timeless essence of India's lifeline.