“Witnessing the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar is a soul-stirring experience unlike any other. As the evening sky turns golden, priests light rows of flickering lamps, and the sacred chants echo along the river, creating a mesmerizing symphony of devotion. The Ganges glimmers with reflected flames, while devotees offer prayers with folded hands and hearts full of faith. Every moment at this spiritual ritual connects you deeply with India’s timeless traditions, leaving an unforgettable impression of peace, reverence, and the divine energy flowing through the holy river.”
Ganga Aarti is a sacred ritual performed to honor Goddess Ganga, the holy river of India. This devotional ceremony is conducted daily in three prominent spiritual cities: Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Varanasi. During the ritual, devotees offer fire, diyas (lamps), candles, and flowers to the river, symbolizing gratitude, devotion, and spiritual connection. The Ganga is considered India’s holiest river, and this daily ritual (performed twice a day) allows devotees and travellers to experience the river’s divine energy and tranquility.
The term aarti refers to a Hindu ritual of worship performed to praise gods and goddesses. It involves chanting, fire offerings, incense, flowers, and devotional songs. Ganga Aarti is especially meaningful as it expresses reverence to the river, often called Ma Ganga or Mother Ganga. Participating in this ritual is believed to purify the mind, body, and soul while offering a profound spiritual experience along the sacred Ganges.
The Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri Ghat began in 1910, initiated by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, a respected social reformer and educationist later honored with the Bharat Ratna. A small island near Har Ki Pauri is named in his memory. Today, the ritual represents the rich spiritual heritage of Haridwar, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists daily.
Ganga Aarti is performed twice daily—once in the morning at sunrise and once in the evening at sunset. While both aartis are spiritual, the evening aarti is the most popular for visitors due to its grandeur and vibrant atmosphere.
Recommended Arrival:
Morning Aarti: 45 minutes before sunrise
Evening Aarti: 75 minutes before sunset
Monthly Timings Overview:
| Month | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 07:10 | 17:30 |
| Feb | 06:45 | 17:50 |
| Mar | 06:10 | 18:10 |
| Apr | 05:35 | 18:30 |
| May | 05:15 | 18:50 |
| Jun | 05:20 | 19:10 |
| Jul | 05:25 | 19:05 |
| Aug | 05:35 | 18:40 |
| Sep | 05:55 | 18:10 |
| Oct | 06:10 | 17:30 |
| Nov | 06:25 | 17:15 |
| Dec | 06:50 | 17:20 |
The aarti takes place on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Varanasi, performed daily regardless of weather conditions. In Haridwar, the ritual is held at Har Ki Pauri Ghat, known for its calming atmosphere and spiritual energy.
Har Ki Pauri is 2–3 km from Haridwar Railway and Bus Station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (~35 km)
Daily, around 5,000–10,000 devotees visit for a holy bath, while on festivals like Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh, and Kanwar Yatra, the crowd swells to 1–3 lakh people.
In Rishikesh, Ganga Aarti is held at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, performed by residents and Vedic students. In Varanasi, it takes place at Dasaswamedh Ghat near Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
The ritual is conducted by priests appointed by the NGO Ganga Sabha, which has been managing the ceremony since its inception. They also coordinate with the government to maintain the ghats and organize the ritual smoothly.
Visitors arrive early to secure the best view. The idol of Goddess Ganga is carried to the ghat in a palki. Devotees receive blessings, and the main ceremony begins with Sanskrit chants.
Steps of the Ritual:
Offerings such as ghee, honey, milk, sugar, curd, flowers, and colors are presented.
Priests sing the Ganga Lahari hymn by Pandit Jagannath, a Sanskrit scholar from 1590.
Devotees pledge not to pollute the Ganges, chanting “Har Har Gange, Jai Ma Gange.”
The main aarti begins with lamps, bells, and devotional music, performed by 4–5 priests.
At the end, devotees receive Prasad and blessings.
The evening aarti is the most mesmerizing, especially during Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh, Makar Sankranti, and Kanwar Yatra. Experiencing Ganga Aarti during these festivals is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey.
Witness the divine aura of the Ganges
Experience centuries-old spiritual traditions
Participate in a communal devotional atmosphere
Ideal for travellers seeking spirituality, cultural immersion, and photography opportunities
Planning your Haridwar tour? Book your trip with Citywalk Holidays to experience the magical Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
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