The Ganga Aarti at Varanasi’s Dashashwamedh Ghat is a sight to behold. It is an excellent example of India’s old tradition of river worship packaged in such a way that it appeals to a wide range of people. Pilgrims flock to the sacred Ganga to pray.
When you think about Varanasi, images of Ganga’s moon-shaped Ghats come to mind. The Ganga Aarti takes place on the steep steps connecting the Ganga to the city, which are well-known for their sights and sounds. Every evening, devotees gather in front of the Ganga, affectionately known as Ganga Maiyya or Mother Ganga. They thank Ganga for nourishing them on her banks and cleansing them with her purifying waters during Ganga Aarti.
There are two sets of platforms at Dashashwamedh Ghat, located in two different areas of the ghat. On top of each platform, colorful canopies with flowers are linked to a rod that also includes electric lamps. A small platform wrapped in saffron cloth sits on each platform and contains all of the Pooja objects, including flowers, a copper kettle filled with water, a damp cloth to carry the heavy and hot metallic Diyas, and a conch shell. Oil lamps illuminate the platforms, transporting you to another world.
Gallery of Ganga Aarti
A modest temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga with her anthropomorphic form adorned in exquisite floral garlands may be found on the Central Platform.
Ganga Aarti has become a must-see must-do experience in Varanasi throughout the years. Their expectations, in my opinion, added a glitzy element to an otherwise sad ceremony.