We had the blessing to be floating on the Mother Ganga – the river Ganges – for New Year’s Eve. We were buoyed by her as we started our journey in a worn down wooden craft. It was the start of a unique experience – a celebration of life and death. From our boat, we could see the flames of multiple fires in the distance on the shore. These were the fires of very sacred Hindu funeral pyres. As we got closer, we remained in silence out of respect for the families who were honoring their loved ones. There were over 26 pillars of fires burning. I had never thought there was such beauty in death yet here it was before my very eyes. It was joyful and sorrowful—all in one breath. We prayed for the families and for the souls of those who had left this world.

As we journeyed back, we were given a candle in the middle of a bodhi leaf bowl with flowers. This was to be released on Mother Ganga with our prayers and wishes for the New Year. Under the light of the full moon, I poured the remaining ashes of my deceased husband and son onto the flower boat. I prayed and was enfolded by several women pilgrims as I released their final remains back to the Divine Mother from where they came. It was honoring and respectful. I prayed for them and for gratitude for the life I had with them. I prayed for the release of all that I hold onto that does not serve and the blame I carry. I felt my heart unburden. Judith approached and held me and I had another experience of being held tenderly by the Divine Mother. I felt lighter.

Moments later, I looked back and there were thousands of little lights from others floating on the river. On the banks, a fire ceremony was celebrating the Mother Ganga. A chapter was clearly closing and a new one beginning. It was a celebration of death and now life.

Tags: india, Judith Wright, pilgrimage, Sacred Travel, wright leadership institute

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