By Vimal kapoor
Word ‘picnic’ might have different connotation for different people, for children it is enjoyment at ‘amusement park’, relishing cool dip and digging into packed lunch at ‘Sehestradhara’, while for some it might be a day out at Mussoorie. Personally I have always relished going to ‘Rishikesh’, just an hour’s drive from Dehra Dun, it is what I fondly describe as ‘spiritual picnic’.
Rishikesh, one of the most tranquil place in our state Uttarakhand, surrounded by hills and bisected by the wide and majestic Ganges, is often claimed as the `Yoga Capital of the World'. Back in the 1960s Rishikesh gained instant fame as the site where The Beatles came to stay with their guru, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It is an excellent place to meditate and study yoga. Rishikesh is also a good for adventure sports lovers as white water rafting starting from here is extremely popular.
Rishikesh is also acquiring greater significance as a base for treks and hikes in the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas.Rishikesh is an ideal destination not only for week end travellers but also for those who want to delve deeper into meditation, Yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. For the adventurous, Rishikesh is the place for starting their trekking expeditions and excursions towards the Himalayan peaks. The International Yoga week, which attracts participation from all across the world, is held here every year on the bank of Ganga river
Spirituality and mystical charm have always drawn me and people from all over the world to this small but popular town, while coming back to Doon by ‘Shatabdi express" I have seen hoards of foreigners with back packs and holy Sanskrit books get down at ‘Haridwar’, while talking with them I discovered that usually they all head for ‘Rishikesh’ and some claim its their fifth or sixth visit. As Barry a tall traveller from Australia once told me that staying in Rishikesh for one week is like ‘taking bath from inside’! As the world becomes increasingly capitalistic and materialist, the quest and urgency for spirituality grows more and more. The traditional Indian way of life has helped in the evolution and growth of Spiritualism.
Even gorgeous ‘Kate Winslet" superstar from block buster movie ‘Titanic’ comes to Rishikesh frequently.
Numerous cultures and religions have thrived and flourished together for ages and resulted into the unique Indian way of life.
At different points in the history of our civilization numerous spiritual leaders and saints have delivered the message of peace, brotherhood and co existence that is so very well rooted in our culture. Arts like Yoga and Ayurveda coupled with religion have played an important role in the evolution and existence of spirituality in India. Through the ages, various Ashrams and centers of excellence came up in different parts of India. Indian spirituality is all about showing respect to all living beings-animals trees, rocks and even water and lead a positive and healthy life. It is believed that the supreme Creator has put each one of us in this world for a purpose and that purpose is to be compassionate, caring and loving to one-another, and many renowned gurus hold seminars and satsangs here. Grand old master of yoga B.K.S. Iyenger hails from Rishikesh, we Doonites are extremely lucky to be so close to this divine place, go enjoy a ‘mystical, spiritual picnic’ for a change!
Word ‘picnic’ might have different connotation for different people, for children it is enjoyment at ‘amusement park’, relishing cool dip and digging into packed lunch at ‘Sehestradhara’, while for some it might be a day out at Mussoorie. Personally I have always relished going to ‘Rishikesh’, just an hour’s drive from Dehra Dun, it is what I fondly describe as ‘spiritual picnic’.
Rishikesh, one of the most tranquil place in our state Uttarakhand, surrounded by hills and bisected by the wide and majestic Ganges, is often claimed as the `Yoga Capital of the World'. Back in the 1960s Rishikesh gained instant fame as the site where The Beatles came to stay with their guru, the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It is an excellent place to meditate and study yoga. Rishikesh is also a good for adventure sports lovers as white water rafting starting from here is extremely popular.
Rishikesh is also acquiring greater significance as a base for treks and hikes in the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas.Rishikesh is an ideal destination not only for week end travellers but also for those who want to delve deeper into meditation, Yoga and other aspects of Hinduism. For the adventurous, Rishikesh is the place for starting their trekking expeditions and excursions towards the Himalayan peaks. The International Yoga week, which attracts participation from all across the world, is held here every year on the bank of Ganga river
Spirituality and mystical charm have always drawn me and people from all over the world to this small but popular town, while coming back to Doon by ‘Shatabdi express" I have seen hoards of foreigners with back packs and holy Sanskrit books get down at ‘Haridwar’, while talking with them I discovered that usually they all head for ‘Rishikesh’ and some claim its their fifth or sixth visit. As Barry a tall traveller from Australia once told me that staying in Rishikesh for one week is like ‘taking bath from inside’! As the world becomes increasingly capitalistic and materialist, the quest and urgency for spirituality grows more and more. The traditional Indian way of life has helped in the evolution and growth of Spiritualism.
Even gorgeous ‘Kate Winslet" superstar from block buster movie ‘Titanic’ comes to Rishikesh frequently.
Numerous cultures and religions have thrived and flourished together for ages and resulted into the unique Indian way of life.
At different points in the history of our civilization numerous spiritual leaders and saints have delivered the message of peace, brotherhood and co existence that is so very well rooted in our culture. Arts like Yoga and Ayurveda coupled with religion have played an important role in the evolution and existence of spirituality in India. Through the ages, various Ashrams and centers of excellence came up in different parts of India. Indian spirituality is all about showing respect to all living beings-animals trees, rocks and even water and lead a positive and healthy life. It is believed that the supreme Creator has put each one of us in this world for a purpose and that purpose is to be compassionate, caring and loving to one-another, and many renowned gurus hold seminars and satsangs here. Grand old master of yoga B.K.S. Iyenger hails from Rishikesh, we Doonites are extremely lucky to be so close to this divine place, go enjoy a ‘mystical, spiritual picnic’ for a change!
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