Ceremony of Lights on the Ganges

My love affair with Rishikesh deepened the night I was lucky enough to attend a spiritual "aarti" ceremony along the river Ganges. As the sun set, I took a boat across the river to a beautiful Hindu temple with ghats (steps) leading down to the waters edge. A huge white statue of the god Shiva was sitting in the water just off the shore.

There were about 150 young boys in yellow robes singing and clapping along with a tabla drum. Offerings were being thrown in to the fire in the centre of the gathering. Many were sending "puja" (floating candle/flower offerings to the gods) sailing down the river. The candles looked very pretty floating down the river in the dark.

The ceremony got more lively once everyone stood up and started passing around ornate candle holders. Holding the candles and moving them in a circular motion while facing the river is thought to bring good luck. I was fortunate enough to give it a try.