In Hindu religion, “SADHU” is a term commonly used for an ascetic, wandering monks. Their sole focus is to attain liberation (MOKSHA considered as the final goal of life in Hinduism) by practicing meditation and leaving behind every material and sexual attachment of day to day life.
Widely respected throughout countries like India, Nepal, for their holiness (rather more for their curses), the sadhus are supported by large donations from many people throughout the country. This has a negative aspect also. Posing as sadhu in popular pilgrimage can be a lucrative and easy way for earning money and respect.
Different sadhus have their own way of practices. Some stay alone in caves and forests for years, eating only fruits whenever needed; some practice complex yoga; The “Naga Sadhu” stay completely naked with ashes smeared all over their body, sports long beards and wear their hair in thick locks (commonly known as Jata in Hindu religion). They were even seen to carry Trishul (A trident which is believed to be the weapon of the Hindu god , Shiva), swords with them; On the other hand “Aghori”s stay at cemetery or burning Ghats, close to dead peoples to attain liberation and even practice cannibalism. Probably the most common practice among all these sadhus is smoking of charas (hand-made cannabis or Hashish) and they consider this as a religious and a way to attain liberation.
Based on their devotion to different gods, Sadhus as per Hindu religion are divided in several sects. Some are devoted to God Shiva and are commonly known as “Shaiva”, where as those devoted to god Narayan/Bishnu are known as “Baishnav”. Other than these there are also “Sakta” who are solely devoted to Shakti (a divine, universal power).
These sadhus are normally present in popular place of pilgrimage, but the big gathering happens mainly during the celebration of holy events in these places. These photos were taken during the “Gangasagar Mela” (Mela is Fair in Bengali).
Gangasagar Mela (Fair), held in West Bengal, India, is considered as one of the largest fair in India. It is held during the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti (normally 14/15th January of every year) when Sun starts moving towards the Northern hemisphere. Gangasagar is the place where the river Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal. At this place, the largest, sacred and most famous of all the islands is the “Sagar Dweep” or “Sagar Island”. As per Hindu religious beliefs, taking a holy dip in this place washes ones sins and brings them closer to god. This island also has a temple of “Kapil Muni (Saint)”, where devotees pray and gives their offerings. Every year millions of peoples comes here just to take a holy dip in the Ganges.
References :
A photographer's Scrapbook... 
One thought on “The path of Nirvana : Some portraits”