Ganga Arati at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh - 2015

For whatever reason I like visiting Hrishikesh and I like this arati for the colour and the fact that they chant Hare Krishna. The most well known Ganga Arati in Rishikesh is held on the banks of the river at Parmarth Niketan ashram. It's a much more intimate and relaxed affair than the aartis at Haridwar and Varanasi, and is devoid of the theatrics as well. Many people prefer it for these reasons. They find it much more spiritual. Instead of being performed by pandits, the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan is organized and performed by ashram residents, particularly the children who are studying the Vedas there. The ceremony commences with the singing of bhajans (devotional songs), prayers, and a hawan (a purifying and sacred ritual that takes place around a fire, with the offerings made to Agni, the fire god). The lamps are lit and the arati occurs as the final part of the ceremony. The children sing along with the spiritual head of the ashram, in sweet, haunting voices. A huge statue of Lord Shiva overlooks the proceedings (He got swept away for the 2nd time in 3 years just recently). How to Attend the Rishikesh Ganga Arati Everyone is welcome to attend the Ganga Arati at Parmarth Niketan. Do arrive early if you want to get a seat on the steps close to the action. It can be difficult to see otherwise. Shoes must be removed but you can securely store them for free at the entrance