The festivities are in full swing, but I am talking about November 2023. After a life-threatening two years of pandemic mayhem, we almost touched death. It felt like there may not be a tomorrow. With a shudder, I return to the present and see everyone trying to make the most. I am adding to the crowd, soaking in the festivities.
I am on the banks of the River Godavari in my hometown of Nashik, carrying forward the family ritual of visiting the Flower market. The market is a spread of vibrant colors, fragrances, and hues, making it a beautiful sight and filled with fragrant festivities.
River Godavari
The Season of blooms like the marigolds, chrysanthemums, tube roses, and wild varieties, all are on display and are making my choices tough.
With all of them as my bounty, l relax on the banks of Godavari. She is undoubtedly the lifeline of my city and as she flows calmly taking in the buzz around her in her stride, l am transported from one river to the other.
1. What synergizes with every river? Each is a lifeline throughout the expanse in which it flows.
2. Each has a course of umpteen kilometres thus gathering cultures but not moss
3. Each swells and shrinks showing her moods and tantrums
4. Each is an ecosystem in itself
5. Each helps trade and commerce
Yet are different from one another across the world apart from all the above each today is developed as a tourism hub. They are picture-perfect and bring in a fresh breath of breeze at any time of the day.
Human Connection to the Rivers ( ELIXIR)
We have a strong connection and love to stay close by to the rivers …l have been wondering why so. of course, water is the elixir of life but the connection that l could make was the human body comprises 70% of water and hence a strong connection.
Rivers as livelihood
We cannot forget the dangers settling nearby, but her vibes of calm, serenity beauty, farming, trading, and commercial factors and the beauty can’t be overlooked.
So back in 2010 and even today Godavari River at home with a history of centuries and a story of itself originates from the mountain Brahmagiri which is a famous trekking route.
People Mindset
People in India though take their rivers for granted. We in Nashik too are cursed as we aren’t able to keep the sanctity of river Godavari. We do not possess the attitude, and the government is always blamed for failing to keep these clean, but it’s the people and their responsibility towards National heritage that is lacking.
Hence forget tourism we just first need to understand our responsibility… sitting on the banks of Godavari my kaleidoscope moves to 2013.
2014 in Dubai
The Dubai Creek and the DHOW cruise took my breath away.
My fascination with the water body in the arid desert land, the preservation of heritage (old Dubai), and showcasing the new and old Dubai homogenously via a Dhow cruise, with mouthwatering dishes, and dances synergized so well for tourism and sustaining livelihoods of many.
Mesmerized and in awe of the thought process of alternative ways of livelihood and economy …my fascination with river tourism & alternative ways to commercialize to sustain lives took me back to Dubai in 2018.
The Brisbane River
In 2020 I find myself locked in Australia; the pandemic has spread its tentacles faster than an octopus. Spending time with my daughter was a boon but the uncertainty of travelling back weighed badly.
Singapore River 2023
The thorny look of the National fruit of Singapore ” The Durian ” negates its yummy taste, the row of fruit parlors next to the Singapore River with people enjoying cruising on the river and the parks alongside is different from my country.
The bougainvillea is in its full blossom, next to the ” Merlion ” spurting water with the backdrop of the ” Marina Bay sands “Calm evenings beside the river, are what is looked forward to by the Singaporeans.
Responsibility is the keyword. Forget dirtying it, the importance of National property and recreation for the common man is the key. The Singaporeans have also gone through similar conditions as we Indians, but together as a country, they made cumulative efforts to see what it is today.
I am transported back home to the Godavari and feel the attitude missing. the bitter taste of unsuccessful government initiatives & lack of mindsets saddens me
Befriending River Brisbane 2020
The best part was I could befriend Brisbane River. She became my companion and a best friend in those months, Soothing, calming, and flowing as if telling me your day would come to sail off just have patience.
As the world came to a standstill, I crisscrossed the city along with her. Across its banks, on the side broad walks, l kept walking to find answers watching the Catamarans pass by devoid of passengers, a solo cyclist, and a quaint coffee shop serving, but with caution.
I love to mention exercising in open spaces was allowed. How beautiful are these spaces along her banks? Keeping my friendship was a vow I made to her and myself and I am back along her broad walks in 2022.
This time the Catamarans are resonating with laughter & colorfully dressed commuters. The coffee shops are wafting with aromas and have ques for a latte or cappuccino.
The farmer’s markets on her manicured banks are abuzz. The regional merchandise is beautifully displayed on sale. Exercising at any point is just so cool on the broad walks and l find a new Brisbane River.
I find the city council has tried to develop the course of the river throughout
the city. The iconic story bridge divides Brisbane, she flows elegantly underneath the bridge as the world around her picks up pace for the evening.
Narmada River 2022
I am visiting the Narmada a very pious and miraculous river with a revered story of its origin and Flow.
Visiting Kevadiya and her beautiful clean and well-maintained banks for her arti and Shul Paneshwar Mahadev Mandir is a superb sight but more can be done for tourist inflow
The rivers have taken up a lot of mind space and I am grateful to Sadguru for taking the initiative to save our rivers hence I ended my 2022 on the banks of Ganga. I mention him as I sync with ideologies there must be many who must have taken similar paths.
Ganga -2023
The year ends at the Ganga Ghat on December 31st, 2022 it’s 4:45 pm and we are struggling through throngs of people at the Ganga Ghat at Haridwar but what takes you aback is her force, the way she jauntily flows with full might.
She is voluptuous and aggressive and yet is pious & positive.
On her banks, as l sit beside her l find her enigmatic and hence revered.
The chants of the mantras, the fragrance of camphor and essence sticks, the twinkling lights of the diya’s in otherwise boldly lit Ghats, the sounds of the bells, and the colorful floral decoration all Synchronise her energy.
Attending the aarti on her banks was yet another bucket list tick and seeing the crowds I understand, how temple tourism flourishes in India.
I travel to Rishikesh to do some adventure activities and see her Rocky forceful side and enjoy the chilling waters, as l travel deep into the state her channels help keep the cultivation green and understand her Importance towards developing the agricultural ethos.
Lack of Tourism mindset
Back home l compare both worlds. We have a long way to go as far as this size of tourism has to be developed, though temple tourism is developing the mindset of people is yet to change.
We as a country need a C change to look at our rivers. They can be game changers if made an activity hub for tourists.
My thoughts
The world today is a global village. To pull the younger crowd to spend more time and use the outer periphery of the city limits across the course of the river should be thought about. This would expand the commercial aspects, bring revenue, and scatter the crowd as City centers are otherwise very crowded and people often tend to shoo away from visiting.
