Ganga Aarti is a spiritual and serene evening worship ceremony dedicated to the Goddess Ganga, held daily at sunset along the banks of the holy Ganges River in Rishikesh.
Also known as: Ganga Puja · Ganga Arti
Currency
INR (₹)
Best time to visit
October to March
Languages
Hindi · English
Coordinates
30.158°, 79.496°
Key facts
1The Ganga Aarti involves the lighting of lamps and offering of prayers to the river, symbolizing the worship of the divine mother goddess Ganga.
2The ceremony is led by priests who chant mantras and perform rituals, while devotees and tourists participate by lighting diyas (earthen lamps) and offering flowers to the river.
3The Ganga Aarti is considered one of the most sacred and spiritually uplifting experiences in India.
Timeline
1864: The first bridge over the Ganges was built in Rishikesh, facilitating easier access to the river for the Aarti ceremony.
1968: The Beatles visited Rishikesh, bringing global attention to the Ganga Aarti.
2010: The Ganga Aarti was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Indian government.