Book Review - Cycling The Narmada by Sameer Gaikwad

 I am kind of ashamed to say that I didn't know about Narmada Parikrama until I read this book. 

The author Sameer Gaikwad decides to go on a special pilgrimage, the Narmada Parikrama, the circumambulation of the river Narmada. It is a journey of around 3k kms and takes atleast 3 months to complete. However the author took 29 days to complete the pilgrimage. The amazing part is, he covered this entire journey on his cycle. 

The book begins like a travelogue, with the author giving a brief prologue of how the events up to his date of travel unfolded. But when he begins the journey, he doesn't travel alone. He takes the reader along with him. The author's vivid description brings every scene to life and I felt like I was present there, cycling through roads that are sometimes smooth, at times in dire need of cement, other times making their way through fields and yet many other times, giving a glimpse of rolling hills in the background. I absolutely loved the narrative that is both simple and engaging. 

The author has kept his description of places to the required minimum, focusing more on his experience there. The people he meets are unforgettable, not just for him but for the readers as well. That such good souls exist in the world is something that brings both wistfulness and hope. 

Narmada shines throughout the story. From a river she turns into an enchantress, tempting the readers with her mystic and graceful presence. 'Narmade Harr!' keeps resonating throughout the story. The author credits the spirit of the river for every good person he meets and every good thing that happens to him, and you know what, by the end of the story, you too start believing the same. Narmada ceases to be just a river. She becomes a revered deity, showering benign gifts of care and safety over anyone who walks beside her. 

The author has given a day-to-day travelogue of his entire journey. There are so many small towns and cities in India that we hardly hear about! Through this book, you get a glimpse of the India that we do not talk enough about (or never talk at all, to be very frank). I was enthralled by these places where life goes on in a brisk yet leisurely pace without the rest of the world giving them a second thought. 

By the end of the story, I was severely tempted to set off on this pilgrimage. Perhaps by the grace of Narmada, someday I will. As every parikrama-vasi (pilgrim) says, 'Narmade Harr!'

This is the author's debut book and I highly recommend it to all those interested in reading travel memoirs. This is indeed one to remember.