A Thought Provoking Sunset and a memorable experience at the mighty Mahanadi, Chhattisgarh-A Photo Essay

Spellbinding-Standing on the banks of the Mahanadi in Chhattisgarh

There are some moments in time that remain etched in our memories  forever. Thats  probably because they have touched our minds and hearts deep within and stayed right there. In this Photo essay, I'm going to share a series of exactly such moments with you and hope that you can feel some of that same emotion. 

During my recent trip to Chhattisgarh as a part of the #TWC2015 I had an opportunity to stand on the banks of the Mahanadi and it was one of the most profound experiences of my life. It may have lasted for a total of just about 20 minutes but stays in my heart forever.

 

En Route -Passing through the Shiva temple 


 The Mahananadi river  is truly the life line of Chattisgarh. Flowing from the Eastern Ghats to the Bay of Bengal through Cuttack, in Odisha and into the highlands of Chattisgarh, it flows through Odisha to reach The Bay Of Bengal.

Like all other rivers, the Mahanadi too is a revered one. It plays a major role in people's life and is part of all the major religious functions and festivals.It's water is considered to be highly auspicious for any occasion - and it is believed that this water has miraculous powers and can easily convert bad things or situations into into good ones.Rising from Central Chattisgarh, it passes through Eastern Ghats Mountains and ends at Bay Of Bengal, near Cuttack, Orissa. It forms a Delta at the Bay of Bengal. The Mahanadi's catchment area is estimated at 113,440 square kilometers. In the rainy season it carries an immense amount of water, up to 51,000 cubic meters per second especially at at the Naraj gorge.As the river flows at high speed, the Rivers Tel and Hasdo contribute as the main tributaries to the Mahanadi River. The Hirakund Dam, the world's highest dam is constructed on Mahanadi. There is a high Gandhi Tower for the introspection of the Dam and the drainage of the Mahanadi is shared by the Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa.

The iconic Shiva Temple

When we arrived, the birds were chirping and the sun was just about to set.The sky was a painter's delight and it got better as the time slowly ticked on. 

Watching the people closer to shore

There were a few men at the river bank and looking closer, I saw that most of them were 'Kavariyas'( those who carry holy water from the rivers to the cities.) 

  After having collected that water from the river the Kawariyas made their way back to the Shiva temple. Chanting 'Bol Bam' over and over again in honour of Lord Shiva, they moved in complete synchronicity and effortlessly climbed up the steps past where I was standing..

Moving towards the temple

And closer 

Just past me 

Almost at the gate of the Shiva temple

And they are inside 

I stood there for a few more minutes, loath to leave

Then it was  time.

We had to move on to our next destination and the journey continued.

But this was truly an unforgettable moment in time.