I have started a video series based on my journey with Ganga from Himalayas till Bay of Bengal including Bangladesh. I traversed to different places, recorded conversations, videos at different places. I do not claim to be a professional filmmaker but a concerned citizens who care for environmental questions but not without the inclusive engagement of the native communities. So, documenting communities, history and other issue through conversation on Ganga took me four years to go to different places particularly its confluences. I am fascinated by watching and observing confluences particularly in the upper and middle Himalayan regions. As I travelled to low land areas and then to Gangetic delta, the rivers became wider and bigger and confluences actually lost their charm though I still enjoyed some of them in Bengal and Bangladesh.
Ganga is a the most sacred river of India and it is not merely a mythology but history too. I made several documentaries on Ganga state wise which are available on Youtube. I also made documentaries on Yamuna and Kali Karnali rivers too. It is difficult to put the entire issue in one book or one documentary so I decided to put videos every week based on my journey. Already, four volumes are out and available on youtube but their narration is in Hindi. I know a large number of readers and friends are from non Hindi regions and hence I decided to put narration in English too and upload it here. So this is the first one with English narrative put directly on substack.
In the first episode, I take you to the Gangotri Gaumukh trek where the Ganga, as Bhagirathi starts its journey. The river is absolutely a treat to watch in the upper Himalayan region. Its energy, noise and ferocity is intimidating at most of the places. On a bright sunny day, it look majestic and a treat to watch. The trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh is about 18 kilometers which is quite difficult though for experienced trekkers, it is a moderate trek. On a sunny day, you can see the Gangotri Himalayas or what is also known as Garhwal Himalayas.
The journey start from the Gangotri National Park and 18 kilometer stretch actually take two days. Many time, three days are suggested with halt at Chirbasa at 9 kilometers or Bhojwasa at 14 kilometers. The direct journey till Bhojwasa is about 6 to 7 hours. You need prior permission from Forest Department to enter there.
One should not expect luxuries at these places as it is important to maintain the dignity and sanctity of the region. Massification of the tourism has put enormous pressure on infrastructure which these sensitive zones cant afford. The horrific disaster at Dharali has again put on spotlight the ecological issues in the Himalayas and it is time we take it seriously.
These regions are sacred for millions of Indian pilgrims but for me their sacredness is also related to Himalayas and mountains which feed most of our rivers. Ganga is a world heritage as it link Himalayas to Sundarban, both World Heritage. Millions of people survive on the bank of Ganga. We can also see the difference between the Ganga which starts its journey from Himalayas and how it look like when enter in Bengal. Ganga today is victim of human made crisis who worship her but never care for her. Our Himalaya ki Ganga journey will speak about protecting and preserving Ganga and its rich cultural heritage.
Let us celebrate India’s most venerated river and the culture and history around it. Join me in these exploration. I would be happy to share my ideas and understanding of my entire journey. Anyone of you, interested and share your thoughts including an interaction with me, are most welcome.