The Ganga Aarti at Ram Ghat is one of the most beautiful experiences in India. The spiritually uplifting ceremony performed daily to pay homage to the River Goddess Ganga. Every evening as dusk descends, it’s time for The Ganga Aarti to perform at The Ram Ghat. It’s a powerful and uplifting spiritual ritual. The Ganga Aarti takes place at the Ram Ghat, facing the river. Lamps are lit and circled (should be aarti is performed) by Pandits (priests) in a clockwise manner accompanied by chanting of songs in praise of River Ganga.
The word ‘aarti’, in Sanskrit word “Aaratrik”, which means a form of worship, in which light from lamps, with ghee (purified butter) or camphor, is offered to one or more deities. The aarti symbolizes the five elements Ether (Akash), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal) and Earth (Prithvi). After the ceremony is complete, devotees cup their hands over the flame and raise their palms to their forehead to acquire the goddess blessings.
The Significance of Ganga Aarti
Being a sacred river, Ganga Aarti has implausible importance in the cultural and religious system of India and looks too extensively spiritual. This dance form is performed on the banks of the Ganga during the holy river- bathing festival; Ganga is worshipped like a mother or a deity in Hinduism. Consequently, among all the cities in which Ganga Aarti is celebrated, Prayagraj, or Allahabad as the city is known in English, is extremely special due to its history, religious significance and cultural value.
Ganga Arti Timings at Ghats
In Prayagraj, the Ganga Aarti takes place every evening, typically starting around 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM depending on the season. During winter months, the ceremony begins earlier, around 6 PM and ends around 7 PM in evening. It is advisable to reach the ghat half an hour before the time to get the best position for watching the particular rite.
Performing Ganga Aarti at the most religious spot out of all the sacred Ghats, the Saraswati Ghat is located close to Triveni Sangam. This ghat is also clean and provides a very good view of the above mentioned ritual. Most of the devotees also opt for an equally enchanting view at the river front and prefer watching the ‘Aarti’ from boat.
Spiritual and Cultural Importance
Also to the Hindus she is much more than any river; she is a goddess, which protects them as a mother, and which washes away their sins. The Aarti is meant to be a mode by which people offer thanks to this benevolent deity for her kindness and provision. The ritual is also educational showing members of the society how they need to appreciate and care for the ecological and spiritual power of the river.
Ganga Aarti is in a way more than a religious performance but a cultural one, which is evident in Prayagraj. Many tourists, photographers and artists visit this place in order to photograph and document its beauty as well as the importance. The ceremony is a way of understanding the Indian spiritualisms in providing a link between the past and present India, assembling multitudes of people from all areas and backgrounds, transfixing respect from individuals.
How to Experience the Ganga Aarti in Prayagraj
To find a place to watch the Ganga Aarti in Prayagraj, one should reach for the banks before sun sets. Saraswati Ghat near the Sangam is the most preferred site as by far. Most boat people are available at night for boat cruises giving good views of the Aarti from the river. Stil waters reflecting the light emitted by the lamps brings about the best view of the ritual.
Tourists are also free to experience the rituals of the Aarti by praying, lighting lamp, or can even close their eyes and meditate on the ghats. The experience is a personal and the event goes a long way in touching all persons who are privileged to attend the function.
Where to attend Ganga Aarti:
You can attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Sangam, you can easily reach there by any means of surface Transport prominently used by people railways, roadways or Airways. You can book our cab from airport and railway station as well for comfortable ride as we offer pick up and drop from Prayagraj airport at best price.
You can take use shared Taxi’s, Auto’s or Book our Cab (online or offline) to reach Triveni Sangam for Ganga Aarti.
Distance from Important Railway Stations & Airport:
Prayagraj Junction: 7-8 kms approx.
Prayagraj Cheoki: 10 kms approx.
Naini Junction: 8 kms approx.
Prayag Junction: 7-8 kms approx
Prayagraj Sangam: 2.5 Kms approx.
Prayagraj Civil Airport: 17 kms approx.