Every evening, as dusk descends, the Ganga Aarti is performed at the three holy cities of Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Varanasi in India. It's a very powerful and uplifting spiritual ritual. The aarti takes place facing the river. The lamps are lit and circled around by the pandits (Hindu priests) in a clockwise manner, accompanied by changing or songs in praise of Mother Ganga.
The idea is that the lamps acquire the power of the deity. After the ritual is complete, devotees cup their hands over the flame and raise their palms to their forehead in order to get the Goddess's purification and blessing.
Meeting/pick-up point: Pick up from hotel.
Duration: Three hours approx.
Start/opening time: At 4.30pm.
Languages: English.