REVELRIES aside, New Year could be the time to pause, reflect, and maybe, usher in a fresh start.

‘Kumbhak’ is a sacred pitcher containing ‘Amrit ‘(the elixir of immortality), amrit which leads us to the path of enlightenment, which involves pure thinking and doing good deeds, leading to the well being of all.

It is said that Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, had spilled a few drops of the amrit in four sacred places of Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Prayag, with the corresponding holy rivers turning into amrit, namely Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri.

In the Hindu calendar, Uttarayan is the northward journey of the sun over the next six months; it begins this year from January 15, called ‘makar sankranti’.

Important spiritual practices are associated beginning with this day.

Many Hindus take a dip in any of the holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna with the hope of dipping into Amrit. Once enlightened, following the spiritual path and doing good Karma, helps free ones soul from the cycle of rebirth and attain ‘Moksha’ or liberation of the soul and merging into the infinite.

One of the biggest pilgrimages in the world is going to take place in Prayagraj in India, beginning later this month (kumbh.gov.in/en). Many Hindus and the curious will be hoping to make a fresh start in their spiritual journey during this kumbh mela.

Discover yourself, rejuvenate your mind and soul, and experience the magic of spirituality!

Kaushik Chakraborty

Hindu Faith

Altrincham Interfaith Group