Ganga Aarti : Varanasi

The Ganga Aarti is a must-see for any visitor to Varanasi, and for good reason. It's a wonderful combination of chanting and multi-tiered fire lamps.

History of Varanasi :

Lord Shiva is said to have introduced Varanasi in Hindu mythology. Shiva and Brahma fought over it. One of Lord Shiva's five heads was severed. By holding that severed head in his hand, Lord Shiva reveals his victor. Lord Shiva also kept the reins in his mouth to show disrespect to Brahma. Brahma's head fell from Shiva's hands when he travelled to Varanasi. Following that, the severed head vanished into the ground. This city has been known as the holiest city since that time.

Currently, if you visit Varanasi, you must attend the Varanasi Ganga Aarti. Thousands of people travel to Varanasi to participate in the Ganga Aarti. The Ganga Aarti ceremony lasts about 45 minutes. During this aarti, you will undoubtedly be transported to another world free of all worries.

About Ganga :

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The Ganges is revered as the most sacred river in Hindu mythology, and it is. This is why people believe that bathing in the Ganges wash away their sins. When you visit the Varanasi Ghats, you will notice that nearly all of the devotees are taking a "bath" in this holy river. Chains and poles are in place to keep people from being carried away. The Ganga River has a rapid flow. 

About Ganga Aarti :

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Varanasi's monks execute a beautiful aarti on the Ganges ghats in the evening. Dashashwamedh Ghat is the most well-known of the Ghats. It is directly across the street from the major Kashi Vishwanath temple. Ganga Aarti may also be seen from Assi Ghat and Rajendra Prasad Ghat.

There is a lot of commotion to get the best spot to observe Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The blowing of the conch or conch shell is one of the most enjoyable aspects of Ganga Aarti. The blowing of the conch shell at the start of the Aarti draws the attention of the worshippers. Banaras' Ganga Aarti is mostly done on one of numerous platforms overlooking the Ganga. Along with this, the music of bells, chanting, lamp lighting, and incense stick combination is captivating.

The priest conducting the Ganga Aarti has a remarkable cadence, which is the Aarti's backbone. Along with this, for many years, Ganga Aarti has been conducted in front of thousands of people. It is difficult to draw worshippers' attention away from the Aarti. This aarti is the greatest because of the darshan and chanting. You should visit this aarti at least once in your life.

Timing of Ganga Aarti :

After sunset, Ganga Aarti begins. This is completed in the evening. In the summer and winter, Ganga Aarti begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m., respectively. Dashashwamedh Ghat is the major focus of Sandhya Aarti. On the other hand, Assi Ghat is the focal point of the early aarti.

The crowd is less than during the evening aarti since it begins before daybreak and lasts till morning. You will take part in a range of activities such as Vedic chanting, yoga, and ragas. Morning aarti is held from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. in the summer and from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the winter.

How to attend Ganga Aarti?

People begin gathering about 5:00 p.m. to participate in the Ganga Aarti. Arriving early allows one to easily acquire a place. A large audience is also gathered here. A boat from the Ganges is also an excellent option to visit this aarti. Remember to plan ahead of time for boating. Many shops give out their balconies to tourists so they may see the Ganga Aarti.

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You would undoubtedly enjoy Ganga Aarti more pleasantly if you do this. Along with this, you will undoubtedly love the region's distinct culture. Every year at the conclusion of Kartik Poornima, a high level Maha Aarti is conducted in Varanasi. Subah-e-Banaras organises the morning aarti. If you are an early riser, you can also attend the morning aarti.

A photographer's fantasy - 

Since there is a high likelihood of not capturing an awful shot. Anyone considering a trip here has probably seen photographs of magnificent diyas and their adorable bearers. However, there is always something that photos cannot convey, and to feel it, one must visit to Varanasi. It has never been more true than now that the trip is just as crucial as the goal.

The Boatride: From Devotees to Hippies

The trip to see the Aarti traditionally starts with a boat ride to the Dashavamedh Varanasi Ghat. If you're lucky like me, your fellow tourists will range from zealots to backpackers. The chants of 'Har Har Gange' made it apparent that everyone of us was an alien. Because no self-respecting Banarasi will summon anybody other than Mahadev. Be it any event, or be caught watching aarti from a boat, with the odd camera flash illuminating the dusk landscape.