Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, Spiritual Ceremony Along the Ganges

As night falls, the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi lights up the entire riverbank. You will see the magical sight of lights and waves, hear the devout prayers of the believers, and feel that the whole world has stopped at this moment. Want to know more about this visual feast? Read this guide to reveal its process, time, and tips so that you can enjoy a worthwhile spiritual experience during your India tour.

What Is Ganga Aarti in Varanasi

Varanasi is a major pilgrimage site in India and the Ganges is considered the mother river. Ganga Aarti is a ritual of honoring the Goddess Ganga with fire and prayers that take place daily along the Ganges River. The aarti is usually performed at sunset at the Dashashwamedh Ghat, combining elements of fire, incense, music, and dance, and is full of visual and auditory impact. You can feel a strong atmosphere of faith as if time has stopped and the world has been purified.

Ganga Aarti in Varanasi

When Is Ganga Aarti in Varanasi

Most of the time, the Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi is held every evening at the Dashashwamedh Ghat on the west banks of the Ganges. This ceremony starts around sunset, usually around 7:00 pm in summer and 6:00 pm in winter, and lasts for 30-40 minutes.

As the sun slowly sinks in the west and the entire river bank is colored by the soft afterglow, the altar gradually gathers devotees and tourists from all over the world. Lamps reflect dazzlingly on the water of the Ganges, smoke hangs in the air, the smell of incense fills the surroundings, and you'll experience the sacred atmosphere of the Ganges River and the Ganga Aarti closely.

What to See in This Ceremony

Various Vendors

Vendors line up around the river altar selling a variety of goods. You can buy local specialties such as Puri, Gulab Jamun, and Chai, a traditional Indian tea. Besides, there are stalls selling flower garlands and blessing lamps, where you can buy them to put in the Ganges river. Handicrafts, Buddha statues, traditional attire, and other small goods are also available, providing a wide range of shopping options.

Handicrafts

Preparation Before the Ceremony

The image of the Goddess, adorned with flower garlands, stands on the central platform of seven wooden platforms. Each platform has small tables covered with saffron-colored silk on which prayer items are placed, including conch shells, incense sticks, prayer bells, large bronze lamps with snake covers, fresh flowers, water pots, peacock feathers, etc. All of these items are considered sacred in Hindu mythology.

Process of the Ceremony

As the preparations are completed, the priests enter, all dressed in identical attire-cream or saffron-colored dhotis and kurtas, with dark-red sweaters during the winter. Holding lit lamps, the priests begin chanting mantras in unison and blow conch shells. The crowd joins in, applauding and chanting, creating an atmosphere of spiritual energy.

Then incense is lit and waved in all directions by the priests, who use their right hand to perform precise, synchronized movements, while their left-hand rings prayer bells. Accompanied by chants and hymns, they lift massive brass fire lamps, moving them in sweeping, clockwise motions. One priest holds a lamp shaped like a snake with many heads. As the priests pray during the Deep Aradhana, they turn in slow circles, ensuring everyone has a clear view of the ritual.

Towards the end of the ceremony, the priests wave peacock feathers and yak tail fans, and flowers are offered to the Holy Ganga Maiyya. One of the priests steps down to the river's edge, pouring holy water into the Ganges river while singing ancient hymns. Devotees follow suit, pouring milk into the river and releasing floating lanterns, their lights gently drifting away.

The scent of burning incense fills the air, blending with chants, creating a serene and calming atmosphere. The flickering prayer lamps and shimmering lights reflecting on the Ganges, the riverbanks lined with devotees and boats, all come together to form a sacred and inspiring scene.

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Where to See Ganga Aarti in Varanasi

Boat Ride

Want a special experience? Take a boat and float on the Ganges with the sunset to see the entire ceremony in all its grandeur up close. The boat ride gives you not only a serene ambiance on the river but also a fantastic view of the reflection of the lights, offering a private and comfortable viewing experience. You can ask the relevant staff for more information, contact us, or write to [email protected], and we will be happy to offer professional advice.

Stores' Balconies

If you would like to see the ceremony from a high vantage point, borrow the balconies of the nearby stores. These balconies offer an elevated view and you can watch the entire ceremony in a quiet setting and without being crushed by the crowds. Sitting on a balcony not only gives you a clear view of the priests praying but also provides a comfortable sightseeing experience.

VIP Seating

There is usually a VIP area in front of the river altar to ensure that people can see the spectacle of Ganga Aarti. With the chanting of the priests echoing in your ears, and the rows of burning flames reflecting the serenity of the river before your eyes, you can almost feel the warmth of the lamps as if you were one with the flickering light.

Concrete Area

If you watch from the concrete area directly in front of the stage, there is usually some fee (about $0.5) that is used to keep the place in order and given to the management. You will still have a clear view of the entire performance and will be able to immerse yourself in the atmosphere.

Ganga Aarti

Travel Tips

Arrive Early

The Ganges Aarti in Varanasi is very popular, and it is recommended to arrive before 5:00 pm and choose a right viewing spot near Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Keep Respectful and Quite

The Ganga Aarti is a sacred and religious event, so remain quiet and respectful when participating or watching. It's advisable to avoid making loud noises, or trying to use flash when taking photos.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

The ceremony is usually held by the river, and the air is humid, so it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing. You can wear breathable clothing to adapt to the high temperatures of summer, and wear warm clothes to prevent the temperature from dropping at night in winter.

Prepare Rain Gear

If you are planning to visit India during the monsoon season (June to September), remember to carry a sturdy umbrella or a lightweight raincoat to prevent the sudden rain from disrupting your trip. Light rainfall won't hinder the ceremony, and the lights and raindrops add a serene and mysterious atmosphere.