The Puja ceremony was a truly cultural experience in the heart of India…
Situated in the state of Rajasthan, Pushkar is one of the oldest and holiest places in India and has become a pilgrimage location for Hindus and Sikhs. The lake and entire town is considered sacred and it is forbidden to smoke, drink alcohol or to eat meat and eggs. The lake, according to legend was created for Lord Brahma (creator of the universe) when a lotus flower dropped from his hand and a lake was formed from where it fell.
Pushkar is a town of many temples and although busy, feels very relaxed and hassle free. Sunset is the best time to head to the lake, the light is absolutely gorgeous and you can hear the beating of drums echoing around the lake. The entire scene really does feel quite magical.
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The Puja Ceremony…
My tour guide takes us to the lake for the Puja ceremony, a blessing to bring you good fortune and to honour and worship gods or loved ones that have passed. We have to take our shoes off 30 feet before reaching the lake and walk barefooted along the waters edge just as the sun is setting. With the orange glow of the low sun, I take some time to myself, soaking up the atmosphere and trying to let the setting of where I am actually sink in.
We sit down in a row along the edge of the lake and are given a metal bowl containing flowers, spices and rice, each with various spiritual meanings. After marking our foreheads with red powder we listen to the priest and other worshipers singing, with the drums playing in the background.
We then have to repeat some mantras in Indian and pray for our family and loved ones. The whole time I feel amazement and thankfulness of this cultural experience. After the blessing we line up by the lake and throw the offerings into the water. A string bracelet is then tied around our wrists after completing the ceremony.
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I found the whole thing quite emotional and with the perfect setting, it was one of my favourite moments in India. Listening to the chants and drums in the background, whilst the sun was setting was magical and I left the lake feeling revitalised and at peace.
TIP: be careful of scammers around the lake who will overcharge for such ceremonies. Make sure you get a good recommendation and you will be fine. Plus if you do the ceremony when you first arrive and then just show your bracelet to say you’ve already completed it.
The Puja ceremony is something I would recommend for anyone visiting Pushkar and wanting to experience Indian ritual culture. A truly spiritual experience.
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