Every evening there is an aarti which takes place. It is a religious ceremony to watch which may have as many a 100,000 or 200,000. The evening Ganga Aarti is a fabulous sight , and can be enjoyed both from the Ghat itself as well as from a boat parked in The Ganges across the Ghat. There is a cacophony of sound and singing which adds to the amazing adventure. You can join a boat and watch from the water. The boats will usually take a trip up the river a kilometer or so to see the cremation fires at the riverside. This is the centre and most famous of all the ghats of Varanasi. You can easily spend a couple of hours watching the hustle and bustle around. This place makes you believe in god, whether you are religious or not. Such is the aura of this place that the (perceived) dirty Ganga waters, mass of people and dust and dirt around will have no significance and what you are left with is a blank yet thinking mind. It was a whole picturesque scene in itself. Heaven for photographers. This place holds so much history, just thinking of all the holy person that have walked there during the centuries, the energy of this place is incredible. A true melting point of all kind of forces. This ghat to witness sunrise and late night rituals and traditions. Be here at sunrise and see the Ganges river shimmer with the red Highway, and at night, sit on the stairs and just absorb the energy. It’s a once in a life time experience that is soulful and mesmerising. The Arati lasts for one hour in which the priests pray to river Ganga with powerful mantras and chants. The atmosphere is eclectic as thousands of people congregate on the steps and occupy every square inch. It’s the most spiritual experience.
India Varanasi
tourism
