Varanasi is among the world's most sacred and the oldest city. It is located on the banks of the holy river Ganges(Ganga). She(Ganga) runs through heaven and is considered as holy Demigod. Photo enthusiasts, culture lovers, pilgrims from all over the world travel to this city just to watch the aarti of Gange. This city is also known by the name Kashi.
Har Har Gange
Ganga aarti:
Aarti is performed daily evening by a group of priests at the Dashashwamedh ghat. They perform Agni Pooja in which a commitment is made to the Lord Shiva, Mata Gange, Surya, Agni(Fire) and the universe. Ritual starts from rhythmic chant of mantras and includes many oil lamps waved in a tuned motion by the priests, and Conch shells are blown loud in-between. Devotees immerse thousands of earthen lamps on the river and those floating lamps looks splendid!
Timings:
The aarti takes after the sunset daily for around 45 minutes, but you have to reach at least half an hour before to hold places in front rows and watch entire aarti.
How to reach :
By Bus: Varanasi is connected to major cities of Uttar-Pradesh.
By Train: Varanasi railway station is connected to major cities of India via rail.
Road/Self Drive: Varanasi has a wide network of road that connects it to major cities of Uttar-Pradesh. You can either hire a taxi/cab or drive down to Varanasi from nearby cities like Kanpur and Allahabad.
You have 2 options After reaching Railway Station or Bus Stand:
1. Reach starting point of Assi Ghat in an auto-rickshaw and hire a boat to reach Dashashwamedh Ghat on waters which is very close to the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
2. Hire a local auto-rickshaw to Dashashwamedh Ghat.
I chose the first way and watched the sunset and the light decorated ghats. Below are few pictures of my Assi ghat experience on the river front of Ganga.
The dead bodies are burnt at Manikarnika Ghat, gateway to another life marked by the results of one's karma.
Not just Ganga Aarti, but you can view the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple, Kaal Bhairav Temple, Birla Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, Durga Temple, Banaras Hindu University.
