Exclusive: Exploring "Melodies of India" with Raunaq Sahni a.k.a Monkey Magic

Raunaq Sahni, widely known as Monkey Magic, is set to launch his book "Melodies of India" on June 16, 2024. The book offers a profound exploration of Indian culture and the Ganga river's significance. Sahni's journey from the river's origin to its endpoint captures the essence of this sacred waterway, blending stunning photographs with compelling narratives. Lets dive into the interesting stories and insights shared by Raunaq.

1. What inspired you to embark on the journey to write "Melodies of India"?

This journey was never pre-planned in a proper way, it just happened.. it had to happen. Ever since I laid my eyes on Ganga in Rishikesh back in 2017 I wanted to spend more time with her and around her. I wanted to see the place where she originates from and just wanted to be around her for sometime. But I could never gather the courage to do so..

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In June 2017, I went to Rishikesh for the first time and as fate would have it, things happened and I, some 19 years old, found myself walking from Rishikesh to Haridwar via Rajaji National Park. It was an experience that I could never forget. The rush of emotions I felt while walking in pitch dark through the national park, the fear I felt.. the 6 wild elephants I saw just across the ganga canal, all of this turned on something inside of me and I started to crave more for such experiences. It was only after the wait of 6 long years that I could gather courage and go to Gaumukh, the source of Ganga.. and thatʼs how this journey started.

2. What is you connection with the Ganga? Can you describe your first encounter with the Ganga and the connection you felt?

I have a long-standing connection with the Ganga. Since I was 18, I've made it a tradition to visit Rishikesh every birthday to seek peace by the river—it feels like my second home, and it's not very far from Delhi.

Sachin used to show me different spots, including Shadi Ghat (we gave it that name because a couple got married at that spot). It is a unique Ghat, very isolated and peaceful, and that place made me realize that I wanted to spend more time there at that Ganga Ghat.

There's one more incident: when I turned 18, I bought a new bike, and I was very happy about it. So, without informing anyone, I went to Rishikesh just to show the River Ganga and convey my gratitude for the new vehicle.

3. What was the most challenging part of traveling from Gaumukh to Gangasagar?

The challenge I faced in Gangasagar was quite draining. I went there on the festival of Makar Sankranti to attend Gangasagar Mela. It is said to be the second largest human gathering in the world only after Kumbh Mela. The chaos & lawlessness that I saw on the island, the massive sea of people. People pushing and shoving each other to reach the holy site of Gangasagar broke my heart.. Later news also broke out that 56 were killed in the stampede which I was very close to.

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4. How did the people's faith in the Ganga differ between rural villages and bustling cities like Kanpur?

While the foundational beliefs remained consistent, I observed diverse practices across different regions. However, what struck me the most was the universal emotional connection people held for the river, irrespective of geographical boundaries.

For example, the Ganga Aarti does not happen in the city of Kanpur, and the river becomes dirty there. But the actual belief can be seen in the small towns and villages along the River Ganga.

5. What were some of the most surprising or unexpected interactions you had with locals along the Ganga?

While walking for some 80kms on the bank of the river I encountered the sand mafia for the first time. It looked like a scene straight out of a South Indian movie. There were close to 200 men taking out sand from the river bed. As I tried to move past them minding my own business, one of them noticed a Melodies of India 2 tripod in my bag and asked me to stop. Sand Mafia near the region of Prayagraj are very dangerous. They could have easily thrown me down the river bed if they felt I was there to record them. One of them called me.

Looking at my bag and tripod he inquired about my journey. But as he got to know what I was doing.. he grabbed me by the ‘kada' (steel bangle) that I was wearing. He took me to the shore of the river where a big man with a huge mustache was sitting. I thought I was done for. But to my surprise they made me sit down and offered me samosa & jalebi.. and packed some food for my further walk as well.

6. How does photography help you convey the stories and emotions of your journey?

We often can't express emotions in words, as language is just a translation of feelings, and in many cases, we fall short of words. That's when photography comes into play. Heavy emotions can be easily conveyed through photography.

7. What message do you hope to convey to readers about the balance between reverence and preservation of the Ganga?

In Satyug, it is believed that the Ganga starts from Gangotri, but now you can observe that the River Ganga starts its journey from the Gaumukh Glacier, which is situated 18 km before Gangotri. The glaciers are melting so rapidly that you'll observe the size of Gaumukh depleting and becoming smaller every passing year. We believe that the River Ganga is the mother of nature, but not much has been done to preserve it, and we are inviting a big problem for the coming years. The respect we give to the Holy River should also be reflected in our actions. We can consider that after the Ganga Aarti, all the spiritual believers gear up and come together to clean the ghat, thereby helping in the preservation of the Holy River.

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8. How did you balance capturing the raw, unfiltered essence of your journey while crafting a cohesive narrative?

This is the skill that i've learnt over the years as i did my screen wroting from FTI. I have the clarity of some basics and emotions works beautifullly when they're unfiltered and raw. I we intent to polish the same, it may tend to loose it natural essence.

9. What challenges did you face in blending text and photography to create a seamless storytelling experience?

No challenges at all; the only challenge was to sit and write the book. I went to Rishikesh to start writing my book but did nothing and slept all day. But when the deadline was near and I sat down to write, that's when my fingers began to go with the flow of writing. By the blessing of the River Ganga, this book got executed beautifully in a very surprising way. We were also fortunate to have best wishes and good support from the people around us. The process was extremely seamless.

10. How has this journey and the creation of "Melodies of India" changed you personally and professionally?

When I began this journey, I aspired to flow like the Ganga, navigating life's twists and turns with grace and purpose. Now, after some four months of exploration and introspection, I find that I have indeed achieved that state. By following my heart with sincerity, I have transcended the chaos and discovered a newfound sense of calm. In this clarity, I have gained a clear picture of what steps to take next on my path.

11. What advice would you give to aspiring authors and photographers looking to embark on a similar journey?

My advice would be to approach it as a gradual process of pushing your boundaries. Take your time and pace yourself, as embarking on such journeys can be both physically and mentally demanding. Be prepared for unexpected challenges that may arise along the way, and prioritize your safety at all times. It's essential to plan meticulously, but also to remain flexible and adaptable to changes in circumstances. Finally, remember to embrace the journey with an open mind and heart, allowing yourself to be fully present and receptive to the experiences and opportunities that come your way.

12. Do you have any future projects or journeys planned that continue in the spirit of "Melodies of India"?

The only aim to start my YouTube channel was that I wanted to do a road trip from New Delhi to London. This will be a long one-year journey as I wish to explore the world and different types of cultures altogether. This plan is set to commence next year.