The pictures below show the Ganga Arti at the spot where the amrut landed. Not surprisingly, its also a popular place to bathe in the Ganga.
Like most major Indian pilgrimage spots, to get a decent place to sit, one has to come early. I arrived at around 5ish for the Arthi, which began at 7. In the dusk sky the enormous, Arthi thalis (don't know the proper name for them) are quite litterally ablaze. Those who are holding the thalis occassionally have water poured over their wrists to ensure they don't get burnt.
The atmostphere around is divine with a pinch of commercialism. Offical looking officers in a blue unifrom rev the crowd up with chants of "Jai Ganga Mata ki" and then start a speech asking for donations.
The alleys and lanes surrounding the Arthi site - known as Har-ki-Pairi - are awash with little shacks selling all kinds of Hindu-related articles...you can litterally buy anything and everything. I'll have more on that when I go back in a few days.
9 comments:
Consider visiting the Ganga Aarti at Rishikesh - Parmarth Niketan too. It is way different than how it happens in Haridwar. it is quiter and less crowded, and you really feel good being there.
arun, u r spot on. the aarathy at triveni ghat in rishikesh is really nice- its quiet and peaceful.
is parmarth niketan the place at the west bank of the ganga in the vicinity of the rama jhula?? i was told that was the best place to see the aarathy, but i didnt end up going...
Parmath is close to Ram Jhula, but on the east bank. I have some images of the aarti at http://www.paintedstork.com/pictures/thumbnails.php?album=6 and a write-up at http://travel.paintedstork.com/blog/2006/03/ganga-aarti-at-rishikesh_09.html
yes its the east bank- my mistake...
ur photos and travelblog r fantactic. no wonder people were telling me to go to parmath niketan- it looks wonderful.... oh well next time
Thanks for the heads up...I was in Rishikesh (am in Uttarkashi and came from Gangotri)but didn't see the Arthi...will do so now, when I head back there
hey check out the neelakantha mahadeva temple....well i didnt make it to the temple (i tried to walk) but the road going there has really beautiful scenery and is definitely worth going.....
This site is one of the best I have ever seen, wish I had one like this.
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quite true, viewing Ganga Aarthi at Parmaarth is an out of the world experience.
Hallo I absolutely adore your site. You have beautiful graphics I have ever seen.
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