World renowned, most revered and spectacular Ganga Aarti

As the sun sets down, the conch shells blow, the drums beat, the cymbals clang, the bells ring, the singers clear their throats and the priests get set in various choreographic postures to perform a spectacular ceremony. 

Yes, the situation is perfectly set for the most spectacular ceremony performed every evening - Ganga Aarti in Haridwar, Rishikesh and Varanasi.

Rivers in India are considered as the country's lifeline. The Ganga Aarti is performed as a reverence to Mother Ganges who is considered as India's lifeline. 

The Ganga aarti is performed on a daily basis by well trained young priests dressed uniformly on a dais beginning with incense sticks, Dhoopa and then proceeding to variety of huge lamps. The movement of the lamps is perfectly synchronized amongst all the priests to the rhythmic chants of mantras and aarti songs glorifying Mother Ganga. Post arati, a bunch of split flowers are offered to Ganga Maa to add to the reverence.

The final and the most important ritual in the aarti is of paying obeisance to the river. This indicates the humility of humans as a mark of respect to the river that we are indebted to her for her incessant flow of water for the livelihood of all the living beings benefiting from her. The other aspect of paying obeisance is the spiritual aspect of paying obeisance onto her is to seek forgiveness from her for any offenses and mistakes committed while performing the sacred ceremony. 

Witnessing the Ganga Aarti is not only a visual retreat but it is also spiritually enlivening to the soul. The positive vibes emanated from the vicinity by the conjugal of blowing conch shells which dispel the negativity accumulated from one's mundane routine, the bell sound penetrating the ears constantly, the sweet voice of the singer who sings the glories of Mother Ganga, the choreographic moves of the priest, the ever enchanting drum sound and the blazing fire of the aarti which burns the stress gathered over years are sure to develop devotion unto Ganga Maa. One can soak themselves in the soul stirring ceremony and be sure to be mesmerized. If an enthusiast plans well ahead to witness the aarti, the evening would be well utilized amidst the cool breeze blowing around and capturing the pixels with their natural cameras.

The Ganga Aarti is performed at Dashwamedh Ghat at Varnasi, Parmarth Niketan Ashram at Hrishikesh and Har-ki-pauri at Haridwar.

Devotees willing to perform aarti themselves, can buy or get a cup made of leaves (dona) with some pure clarified butter (desi-ghee), a lit cotton wick dipped in ghee with a bunch of flowers decorating the dona. This cup can be offered as aarti and let it flow in the river. (Not to worry the remnants are cleaned).

The best way to behold the gorgeous ceremony is from a boat on the river.
My favourite stands the Aarti at Dashwamedh Ghat in Varnasi.

PC: Google