Imagine by the Ganges

Imagine by the Ganges

I stood on the balcony of The Beatles restaurant in Rishikesh, gazing at the magnificent holy river Ganges flowing down from Gangotri. The sight was mesmerizing, almost hypnotic. The river, like a silver ribbon, wound its way through the valley, carrying centuries of devotion, history, and whispered prayers. I was lost in the moment, in a trance where time seemed to stand still.

Inside, the soft strains of The Beatles’ music floated through the air, blending seamlessly with the rustling of the wind and the murmur of the river below. Their pictures adorned every wall—snapshots of a revolution that reshaped the world of music. There they were, the iconic four, frozen in time, running down the streets of Liverpool in their black suits and ties.

Then, I heard it—a voice humming "Imagine." I turned. A shadowy figure stood near me, bathed in the dim glow of the restaurant’s lights. For a fleeting moment, I could have sworn it was John Lennon or perhaps his wandering soul, drawn to a place that once echoed with the ideals he cherished.

I smiled at him, or at the memory of him, and my heart grew heavy. The world he once imagined—a world without borders, without divisions, where people lived in peace—felt like a distant dream now. Instead of unity, we seemed to be erecting more walls, drawing deeper lines of separation.

But standing there, with the Ganges flowing free and The Beatles’ melodies washing over me, I held onto the thought that for a brief moment, in this place, in this trance, his dream was still alive.

As I turned to leave, a fellow traveler, perhaps sensing my lingering nostalgia, stopped me. He handed me a slip of paper and said, "This is for you. A little something I wrote in their memory."

I unfolded it, and as I read, I was transported back to my college days, back to a time when The Beatles were more than just a band—they were a revolution, a voice, a way of life.

"In twilight's hush, where Ganges flows free
I stood beside you, my spirit wild and carefree
John Lennon's whisper, a gentle breeze
'Humming Imagine,' his voice like summer seas
As river waters danced, moonlight on their face
I turned to share the moment – what a mystic place!
Behind you stood a shadowy band divine
The Beatles materialized – guitars entwined
Paul's bass thrummed low, George's slide sang sweet
Ringo's drums pulsed softly, like the river's gentle beat
John's eyes locked mine – 'Imagine all the people'
As they played on, their music made our souls reveal
In this fleeting dream, we stood as one
Ganges flowing free, Beatles music just begun
The world united – love, peace, and harmony
In this moment, all 'Imagine' could be – reality."

I folded the paper and tucked it away safely, knowing I would read it again, perhaps when nostalgia came calling on a quiet evening. I stepped out into the cool night air, the Ganges whispering below, the music of The Beatles still lingering in my mind.

---

Footnote

The Beatles traveled to Rishikesh in 1968, drawn by their fascination with Indian spirituality and the teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Their stay at the Maharishi’s ashram marked one of the most creative periods in their career, inspiring many songs that later appeared on the White Album. While the group eventually parted ways with the guru, their time in India left an indelible mark on their music and personal journeys.

The Beatles Café in Rishikesh is a tribute to their legacy, a cozy restaurant filled with memorabilia—photos, murals, and music that transport visitors into the world of the Fab Four. Overlooking the sacred Ganges, it provides the perfect setting to lose oneself in nostalgia, spirituality, and the timeless magic of The Beatles.