From Brahma to Buddha, Spring 2007

My Varanasi ISP with the boat builders of the Ganges has been an eye-opening and pioneering experience. I am the first Global-labber to work with the boat men. The skill of these craftsmen is incredible. They build these fifteen to twenty-five foot long boats from memory using a hammer, chisel and hand-saw. These guys plane, rip, rout, and bend wood without electricity on the ghats at the edge of the Ganges. The speed and accuracy of their craftsmanship is something to marvel.

On Saturday they christened their newest boat with a beautiful Hindu ceremony. First, two women lit a candle and placed it in the center of Holi powder at the edge of the ghat. Flower wreathes were placed around the powder, then the entire offering was moved to the bow of boat. Offerings of food and Ruppies were placed on the bow, as well as the wreathes, powder and candles. One of the women began to sing while the other women placed a yellow hand print around the gunnel. One of the craftsman followed her, placing a red dot in the center of each hand print. Next the master boatman hits each nail on the gunnel one last time. He directed the men to lift the boat and launch it in the Ganges. Twenty men gather around the boat, lift and send it off into the water while the children cheer and jump on the boat as it glides out in the river. I was blessed to be invited to take pictures and share in their ritual.