The Famous Aarti Ceremony - An Evening at the Ganges River

The Ganga Aarti at Varanasi is an uplifting spiritual ritual. The Aarti ceremony takes place near the Ganges River.  While facing the river, the Hindu priests use lamps which are circled around in a clockwise manner, accompanied by chants or songs in praise of Mother Ganga. It is believed that after the ritual is complete, the Goddess showers her blessing onto each individual present there.

Highlights
•    Aarti Ritual At the Ganges River
•    Rickshaw Ride  
•    Walk Through the Ghats
•    River glowing with floating lamps

Meet your driver at your hotel in Varanasi and drive to Dasawamedha Ghat (Ghat is a flight of steps leading down to the river).  Dasawamedha Ghat is the main ghat in Varanasi on the Ganges River.  It is located close to the Vishwanath Temple and it is most spectacular.  Two Hindu legends associated with the Temple are that Lord Brahma created it to welcome Lord Shiva and that Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses during a ritual performed here.

You will witness the traditional Aarti ceremony that is performed every evening at dusk.  It is one of the most spectacular sights in Varanasi. Hundreds of pilgrims, photographers, and tourists watch the magnificence of the Aarti ceremony as it unfolds.  Lamps are lit, fragrant smoke rises from incense sticks, and the chants of mantras can be heard.  Fire is offered to Lord Shiva and the Ganges River.  Fire is used as a link between this world and the spirit world.  As the Aarti comes to an end, the priests offer flowers, milk, and floating lamps to the Ganges. Pilgrims follow and soon the whole of the river is filled with lit lamps and aromatic flowers. The experience wonderfully highlights local culture and religion in an effort by the participants to find peace.

At the end of the ceremony, your guide will take you back to your hotel in Varanasi.