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Watching the Ganga aarti in Rishikesh

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Devotees around burning lamps during the evening aarti at Triveni Ghat

Every evening at sunset, lamps are lit and offered to the river. Where to see it, when to arrive, and how to join in.

Aarti is a Hindu ritual of offering light. On the ghats of Rishikesh it happens every evening at sunset, with chanting, bells and lamps raised towards the Ganga, and it draws pilgrims and travellers alike.

Parmarth Niketan

The best known aarti is at Parmarth Niketan, on the eastern bank near Ram Jhula. Young students of the ashram lead the singing, and the steps fill with people well before it starts. Arrive half an hour early for a seat close to the water.

A crowd seated on the ghat during the Ganga aarti
The steps fill well before the aarti begins. Photo: Rahul Mishra, Unsplash.
A large meditating Shiva statue against an orange sky
The Shiva statue at Parmarth Niketan at sunset. Photo: Rahul Mishra, Unsplash.

Triveni Ghat

On the western bank, Triveni Ghat holds its own aarti at the same hour. It is larger and more local, and a good choice if Parmarth is full.

People gathered around the flames of the aarti at Triveni Ghat
The aarti at Triveni Ghat, on the western bank. Photo: Prashant bamnawat, Unsplash.

Joining in

Anyone can watch, and anyone can take part. Leaf boats filled with flowers and a small lamp, called diyas, are sold on the steps; you set one on the water as the aarti ends. Shoes come off at the top of the ghat.

Afterwards

Once the crowd thins, walk back along the river while the lamps drift downstream.

The river at sunset with a bridge in the distance
The river after the aarti, as the light goes. Photo: Dipti Soni, Unsplash.
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