Ganga Aarti is a Hindu ritual in which the river Ganges is worshipped because it is regarded as a sacred waterway in Hinduism. Every evening, monks and followers conduct the Aarti on the shores of the Ganges, typically at the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi, India. The following are some examples of the Ganga Aarti:
A group of monks conducts the Ganga Aarti by lighting several large metal lamps filled with ghee (clarified butter) and moving them in a circular motion, followed by mantra singing and bell clanging.
The Aarti is done with the clerics positioned on a scaffold or podium on the river's banks, facing the river. Typically, the event is witnessed by Thousands of followers who flock to see the show.
The Ganga Aarti is regarded as a potent spiritual experience that purifies the souls of those who witness the ceremony. The ritual is also thought to be a means of honoring the goddess Ganga and asking her for favors.
Music is performed on traditional instruments such as the tabla, harmonium, and trumpet to accompany the Aarti. During the ceremony, devotional melodies are also performed.
The Ganga Aarti typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour and is followed by the giving of prasad (holy sustenance) to the devotees.
It is a visual and spiritual feast that depicts the essence of Hinduism as well as India's rich cultural legacy.
