The Great Fall!

Timeline: December 2010

He looked like an ordinary 12-year-old, but as he approached the edge of the rock, his face glowed with unwavering self-confidence. Closing his eyes, he said a quick prayer and leaped into deep blue waters, falling a hundred feet. I held my breath as I watched him disappear!

        The picturesque banks of the Narmada river at Bhedaghat, Jabalpur are home to towering marble rocks, rising to a height of a hundred feet and spanning across 25 km. The smooth surface of the rocks reflects the sunlight, creating a glittering effect that is mesmerizing to watch. The natural beauty of these marble rocks is truly breathtaking and if you are visiting the area, I highly recommend you visit this place. Just google images of “Bhedhaghat Jabalpur”, and you will know what I am talking about .😀

 Water was calm and crystal clear in this part of the river, but the fall was steep. The sound of the water cascading down from nearby majestic Dhuandhar Falls was filling our ears. A few local kids were playing and laughing on nearby rocks. I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of concern, as these young boys, put themselves at risk by diving into the river to collect coins thrown by pilgrims (or money offered by tourists to watch them perform these stunts.) 

“Tumhe darr nahin lagta (You don’t get scared)? ” I asked them. “Nahin didi, ye nadi to hamari Ma hai. Aur fir sab dost to hain. Hamen kuch nahin hoga. (No madam, this river is our Mother. And our friends are there too. Nothing will happen to us)”. I don’t know if it was about their innocence, bravado, ignorance, or their Faith but I was at a loss for words. 

My chain of thoughts was broken by the sound of “Narmade Har!” (Hail Mother Narmada) and I turned. The boy was out of the river and had climbed the rocks once again. He was holding his prized possessions: a dazzling smile, a shiny coin, and his unshakable faith in Ma Narmada!

Words like faith, surrender, or devotion didn’t exist in my dictionary for as long as I can remember. But all those strong atheist/agnostic ideas are now melting. And some of these old stories (related to witnessing the power of faith first-hand) are resurfacing in the memory, demanding to be told. 🙂    

Note: Their faith may have made me ponder but I do NOT endorse these stunts by the children/Adults.  

Credits: 

https://unsplash.com/s/photos/bhedaghat