Something that really struck me during my time in India was how much life still revolves around rivers, which reminded me of Pittsburgh in an unexpected way. Back home, the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio shape the city’s identity. But beyond a kayak trip or a bike ride along the trail, most of us do not really depend on them. They are scenic, not sacred.
In India, it feels completely different. Rivers are alive in every sense. They feed farms, provide water for daily chores, and carry deep cultural and spiritual meaning. The Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati are considered holy, and entire cities like Varanasi exist because of them. Rituals, prayers, and festivals all center around these rivers. People bathe in them to purify themselves, offer flowers and diyas, and celebrate life’s milestones on their banks. And then, of course, I got to visit the Sarayu River, which I like to think was named after me. Standing there, watching families wade into the water and hearing temple bells in the distance, I realized that this is not just about tradition. It is about connection between people, nature, and history.
This contrast made me think about what we prioritize in the US compared to India. In Pittsburgh, rivers are more about recreation and city views. In India, rivers are lifelines, both spiritually and practically. They are a source of identity, faith, and survival. Both places love their rivers, but for completely different reasons. And honestly, being near the Sarayu made me wonder if maybe we have lost something by turning nature into just a backdrop instead of a part of our daily lives.
It also made me think about sustainability. Both India and the US struggle with pollution and water management, even if for different reasons, like industrial waste in Pittsburgh and overcrowding or ritual offerings in India. If we both value rivers so much, should we not protect them better? Maybe the real takeaway is this: whether you are on the banks of the Sarayu or standing on a Pittsburgh bridge, clean water is not something to take for granted.