"The dead river full of Life"

In Hindu mythology just taking a dip in Yamuna’s holy waters is considered to rid you of your sins. A devotee takes a dip in the water despite the fact that the river also doubles as a sewage dump for the city’s waste. This offers an insight into the place it has in people’s heart.

On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, the Hindu New year, women perform the festival rituals after taking a dip in the river at the banks in Delhi. All orthodox devotees have continued these traditions for ages and still continue despite the river’s grim conditions.

Another integral part of the religion is “Mundan” or head shaving. It is a prominent ritual and that is often at the banks of a holy river. A barber can be seen performing this ceremony at the banks of The Yamuna. With no fixed premises for the business, he carries out his business wherever he can.

The Yamuna, one of the holiest rivers in India has recently gained popularity as one of the most polluted too. But this hasn’t affected the annual migration of the seagulls from Siberia which lights up the banks of the river and attracts photo enthusiasts who come to cherish this sight.

However, Some people can sense the grave danger that the river is facing. Sikandar baba, who you can see riding his handmade best out of the waste ride is one of them. He not only cleans the river by collecting waste and other non-biodegradable items but also make a living by selling this waste.