Haridwar's Ganga Arti

By - Ritika Singh
Ganga Arti is a traditional Hindu ceremony that takes place every evening on the banks of the river Ganges in Haridwar, India. The ceremony is a beautiful and spiritual experience that attracts tourists and devotees from all over the world. The Ganga Arti in Haridwar is performed by a group of priests known as "pandas" who use a combination of fire, water, and flowers to offer their prayers to the river Ganges. The ceremony takes place at Har Ki Pauri ghat, which is considered one of the holiest places in India. The Ganga Arti begins just after sunset, with the priests lighting large oil lamps and incense sticks, and reciting prayers and mantras. The ceremony is accompanied by the ringing of bells and the beating of drums, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

As the ceremony progresses, the priests begin to perform a series of rituals, including offering flowers and sweets to the river Ganges, and waving large flaming torches in the air. The flames from the torches are believed to purify the air and ward off evil spirits.
The Ganga Arti in Haridwar is a truly mesmerizing sight, with the flickering flames from the lamps and torches casting a warm glow over the river and the surrounding area. Visitors can also participate in the ceremony by lighting their own lamps and offering flowers and prayers to the river.For many people, the Ganga Arti is a deeply spiritual experience that connects them to the divine and to the natural world. The ceremony is a powerful reminder of the importance of water in Hinduism, and of the sacred role that the river Ganges plays in the lives of millions of people in India and around the world