Divine Celebrations on the Ghats of Varanasi (DVD)

Varansi – the holy city situated on the banks of Ganga – the most sacred river of Hindus – is the city of knowledge, the city of Lord Shiva, the city that celebrates both life as well as death. The documentary has presented the spectacular scenes of manifestation of faith on the ghats of Ganga – the river that has never changed its course and is worshipped as a goddess. Some rituals or customs may seem to be illogical or irrational, but it is faith that sustains the people and gives a meaning to these.

The surprising part may be the women celebrating the marriage of Saligram – black stone with Tulsi, a herb. But Saligram represents god Vishnu, and Tulsi, the holy herb, stands for Vrinda, a great devotee who had achieved spiritual strength because of her piety and meditation. It is god Vishnu who ordains that she would be worshipped as the herb Tulsi and her symbolic marriage with Saligram is celebrated every years.

Have a bath in Ganga and get your sins washed off. It you want to be successful in life, then offer prayers for five days – Bhishm Panchak – in remembrance of the great Warrior of Mahabharata, Bhisam Pitamaha, who lay on a bed of arrows during the last days of his life to fulfil his pledge. All great saints and holymen, Buddha, Guru Nanak, Adi Shankaracharya, Kabir, Tulsidas, Ravidas have made their journey to this place.