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Preena?s pilgrimage to Ganga Talao
Dressed in white, as a sign of purity, 18 year-old Preena Nageea will be starting her pilgrimage to Grand Bassin, also known as the Ganga Talao (Ganges Lake) this evening from Rose-Belle. After 15 days of fasting, during which she has eaten vegetarian dishes and only sweet things for the last few days, it is now time for her to celebrate the Maha Shivaratree Festival.
?We all walk to the Ganga Talao as a sacrifice to Lord Shiva,? she explains, adding that she has been doing this for the last four years. ?I walk with family and friends and I must admit that the solidarity I feel is incredible. I have never felt in any danger, even if I?m walking at night, since everybody is in such a pious state of mind.?
Around her, many others will be walking, some with kanwars on their backs. These beautiful structures are made of bamboo and decorated with paper streamers and small multi-coloured tinkling bells. The pilgrims carry the kanwars on their necks and shoulders symbolising their loving surrender and obedience to the Divine will. ?When we reach Ganga Taloa, we will offer prayers to Lord Shiva and, after having taken some water from the sacred lake, we will return home,? says Preena.
On Wednesday more rituals will be performed. Preena explains: ?The water we bring back from the Ganga Talao is taken to our local Mandir. There, we pour it on the Linga which represents Lord Shiva and pray once more. Then there is the Char Pahar Ke Pooja, a series of four prayers performed during the night of Shiva. In fact we will break our fast only on Thursday morning by eating a savoury dish.?
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