Ganga Aarti at Varanasi, India
A scene from the Ganga Aarti - the ritual of offering prayer to the Ganges river - which is held daily at dusk at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi, India. Priests perform this ritual by carrying deepam (an oil lamp) and moving it up and down in a rhythmic tune of bhajans.
Synopsis
Varanasi (also Banaras or Benares) is situated on the Ganges River and is considered one of the holiest cities in India for Hindus. The Ganga Aarti is a religious ritual that takes place there on the banks of the Ganges. It is a daily event that involves a group of priests performing a choreographed ritual that involves fire, water and flowers. The ritual is meant to honour the goddess Ganga, who is believed to purify the sins of those who bathe in her waters. The Ganga Aarti is a popular attraction for tourists and is considered a deeply spiritual experience by many who attend.
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Nimit Nigam