For Vinay Kumar S and Deepak Kumar, who work on the websites of New Horizon Educational Institution (NHEI) as part of the Marketing and Branding Department, this was their first trip with the staff members of the organisation. What made the experience special was not just the opportunity to visit the holy cities of Ayodhya and Varanasi, but also the chance to connect with colleagues beyond the workplace. They felt that the discipline and coordination among members of the New Horizon family helped the trip proceed smoothly, while the food and accommodation arranged by the NHEI Management added to their comfort throughout the journey.

Travelling to these holy cities during Pitru Paksha meant that the temples witnessed a surge in crowds. However, thanks to the arrangements made by the NHEI Management, including the Darshan Passes, both had darshans without much hassle, allowing them to immerse themselves in the spiritual significance of the journey.

For Deepak Kumar, the visit to Ayodhya was particularly memorable. The temple’s intricate architecture and refined craftsmanship made a lasting impression on him. He observed that, unlike the traditional methods used in ancient times, the structure appeared to have been crafted with the help of modern machinery. Yet, it possessed a distinct refinement, with a certain finesse to the workmanship while retaining a minimalist aesthetic.

The darshan of Ram Lalla was an equally profound experience. Being a South Indian, Deepak was accustomed to seeing temple idols in North India carved out of white marble. Seeing Ram Lalla’s idol, carved from black granite, offered him a different experience. The idol appeared strong and striking, but what moved him most was the feeling that it was alive. The experience was so mesmerising that he felt deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to witness it, something he had never imagined would be possible.

Their journey continued to Varanasi, where the spiritual atmosphere left an equally deep impression on both colleagues. The Ganga Aarti was one of the highlights of their visit, with its synchronised rituals, glowing brass lamps, and powerful sacred chants creating a mesmerising spectacle. Recalling the experience, Deepak described it beautifully: “The divine ritual of worshipping Maa Ganga was a mesmerising sight: priests moving in perfect synchronisation with lit brass lamps, surrounded by the fragrance of sandalwood incense and the powerful resonance of sacred chants.”

For Vinay Kumar S, the visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple brought a deeply personal moment of faith. While standing in the queue, he was asked to offer milk to Lord Vishwanath, an experience he had never imagined he would have. The moment left him feeling spiritually elevated, as though he had received a personal sign of divine presence. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “God has given me a sign that he is constantly with me.”

Beyond the temples and spiritual experiences, the vibrant streets of Varanasi offered the two colleagues an opportunity to explore the city’s lively culture. Deepak particularly enjoyed the shopping experience at Godowlia Market, which comes alive at night with colourful shops and bustling streets. As he described it, “The Godowlia Street Market stretches for nearly 3 km and comes alive at night, making it a perfect place to shop for family, friends, and loved ones. Exploring its vibrant streets, colourful shops, and bustling atmosphere is an experience in itself, and the best part is that the market stays lively until midnight!”

Vinay, meanwhile, recalled the shopping experience with a touch of humour. “After the temple experience, all my colleagues split and went for saree shopping for their wives.” It was a lighter moment in an otherwise spiritually enriching journey, reflecting how the trip brought together devotion, discovery, and the everyday joys of travelling with colleagues.

For Vinay, who had completed seven years of service, the happiness he experienced during this trip made it one of his most memorable experiences. He was especially appreciative of Anu Ma’am and Mitchelle Ma’am, who took great care to ensure that everyone was comfortable and accounted for throughout the journey. Speaking about their efforts, he shared, “The way they took care of everyone was something beyond measure. We were 30 people in our team. They ensured everyone was together, everyone was in the bus on time, ate, came for darshan, got their papers in place; they took care of us like children. Our team was so supportive. When we had network issues with GPay, we all looked out for one another.”

As the conversation drew to a close, Vinay expressed his gratitude in a deeply personal way, reflecting on the care and support he had experienced throughout the journey. He remarked, “People say God comes in many forms, and now I have begun seeing God in our Chairman Sir and in our President Sir.”

For both colleagues, the journey to Ayodhya and Varanasi was more than a visit to sacred cities. It was an experience that brought together faith, friendship, and shared memories, leaving them with a deeper appreciation of the New Horizon family and the bonds that extend beyond the workplace.