Part 3 – Pictures of Ganga Aarti, Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

The temple bells rang out over the flowing Ganges river, bouncing off the hills on either side of the water course.

We sat amidst incense sticks, and light chanting from the nearby temples that immersed us into transcendent spirituality.

The twilight descended at 6.30 pm, and the spiritual experience reached a crescendo as the awe-inspiring Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ghat, truly lit the saintly fire.

A striking mix of cultures, religions, and diversity formed the audience. I have tried to capture the multiplicity that existed 😍

Collage, human images

The decorated ghat gate at parmarth niketan, Rishikesh, India by gautam lahiri. — ***A chariot driven by Lord Krishna, with Arjuna***
***decorated Parmarth Niketan***

Young monks, in saffron dress at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh by gautam lahiri — ***Young monk, in saffron dress at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh***

International audience rejoicing before the aarti began by gautam lahiri — ***International audience rejoicing before the Aarti began***

people who could not sit, thronged the bridges on the ghat at Rishikesh by gautam lahiri — People who could not sit thronged the bridges
over the river bank, Rishikesh

A multitude of faces awaited the Aarti to start, Rishikesh by gautam lahiri — ***A multitude of faces awaited the Aarti to start, Rishikesh***

A senior monk, at parmarth niketan ghat, chanting hymns, Rishikesh by gautam lahiri — ***A senior monk, at Parmarth Niketan ghat,***
***chanting hymns, Rishikesh***

A family offers puja as the Aarti unfolds at Rishikesh by gautam lahiri — ***A family offers puja as the Aarti unfolds at Rishikesh***

With folded hands, the audience is mesmerized by the hymns, and chants, Rishikesh by gautam lahiri — With folded hands, the audience is mesmerized
by the hymns, and chants, Rishikesh

A foreign couple is completely captivated by Aarti's beautiful songs, Rishikesh by gautam lahiri — A foreign couple is completely captivated by
Aarti’s beautiful songs, Rishikesh

Aarti reaches its peak as the setting sun shows the dying embers of its crimson light, Rishikesh by gautam lahiri — ***Aarti reaches its peak as the setting sun shows the***
***dying embers of its crimson light, Rishikesh***

Aarti nears its close, as the audience sings along with the chants, holding the pancha pradip by gautam lahiri — ***Hundreds throng to touch the pancha pradip and get blessed***

Devotees gather up!

Click the “PLAY” button to see the bulging crowd to witness Ganga Aarti

Part 1, Devotees and visitors make the rendezvous

Ganga aarti commences

Click the “PLAY” button to see the start of Ganga Aarti

The Ganga Aarti picks momentum as yagna starts

Ganga aarti and panch pradip

Click the “PLAY” button to feel the age-old spiritualism

Ganga aarti comes to an end

The aarti takes place daily between 6–7 PM
The aarti worships Ganges river
Aarti starts with the bhajans, bells, and diyas offered to the Ganges river
You can also be part of the havan or yagna
The aarti is performed by Vedic priests and children
The Parmarth ashram happens to be, 500 meters from Ram Jhula, 15 km from Haridwar
The ashram can be visited from 9 AM–8 PM

Inference

Distance from New Delhi to Rishikesh	245 kms
Best time to visit	Mid-February to Early April
Time	Preferably early morning or late afternoon
Parking	In and around Laxman Jhula along the hilly roads
Where to stay	Numerous hotels throng Laxman Jhula. You can also stay at Ratta Pani, about 12 km away from the town center
Places to visit	Triveni Ghat, Beatles Ashram, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, Neer Garh waterfall, Tera Manzil temple, Parmarth Niketan, Neelkanth Mahadev temple, Rajaji National Park, Shivpuri

TRAVEL BASICS

My Rishikesh experience series

Part 1 – Images of Ganges River, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India	https://wp.me/pbXnOA-2WI
Part 2 – River rafting, Rishikesh – Navigating the dangerous waters	https://wp.me/pbXnOA-2Wf
Part 4 – Experience the Beatles Connection at Chaurasi Kutiya, Rishikesh India	https://wp.me/pbXnOA-2Yp
Part 5 – Chilla Dam: A Hydroelectric Marvel in Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Rishikesh	https://wp.me/pbXnOA-30y
Part 6 – Rishikesh: A Haven of Yoga, Temples, and Nature	https://wp.me/pbXnOA-31H

Rishikesh travel series data

SPITFIRE GAUTAM

“Live your life by a compass, not a clock” – Stephen Covey